
Oass. 



Book 1 



\Ai O C-- 



SOURCES OF THE HISTORY 
OF OREGON 

Volume I Parts 3 to 6 inclusive 



THE CORRESPONDENCE AND JOURNALS OF CAPTAIN 

NATHANIEL J. WYETH 

1831-6 



A Record of Two Expeditions for tlie Occupation of the Oregon 
Country, with flaps, Introduction and Index 



CONTINUATION OF THK CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT 

OF ECONOMICS AND HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY 

OF OREGON BY THE OREGON 

HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

Edited by F. G. Young, 
Secretary Oregon Historical Society. 

PRICE ONE DOLLAR 



University Press 

Eugene, Ore. 

1899 






OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 



H. W. Scott, President, 

C. B. Bellinger, V^ice- President, 

L. B. Cox, Treasjci'er, 

F. G. Young, Secretary, 

Geo. H. HimeS, Assistant-Secretary , 



Portland 
Portland 
Portland 
Eugene 
Portland 




L^ J 



J 



Copyright applied for by 

the Oregon Historical Society 

All rights reserved 



f 1 J ^^^ 
5^9 7 



L- A tribute to tlie memory of Captain Wyeth by James Russell Lowell, 

■ — sent to the Portland (Oregon) High School on the occasion of its having a 

Lowell evening. 



Elm WOOD, Cambkidge, Mass. 

24th April, 1890. 
Dear Miss H * =^' * 

I feel as if I had a kind of birthright in 3^our Portland, for 
it was a townsman of mine who first led an expedition thither 
across the plains and tried to establish a settlement there. I 
well remember his starting sixty years ago, and knew him well 
in after years. He was a very remarkable person whose conversa- 
tion I valued highly. A born leader of men, he was fitly called 
Captain Nathaniel Wyeth as long as he lived. It was the weak- 
ness of his companions that forced him to let go his hold on that 
fair possession. I hope he is dulj^ honored in your traditions. * * 
I pray you to give my greeting with the warmest assurance of 
good will to both teachers and pupils. We are I am sure heartily 
at one in our desire to maintain and perpetuate the better tradi- 
tions of our local and national life, and it is upon our schools that 
we must rely in great measure for the fulfilment of that desire. 

Wishing for all of you happ5^ and useful lives — and one includ- 
es the other 

I remain 

Very sincerely your friend 
J. R. Lowell. 



' Editor's Preface 



In the traditions of New England Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth is 
highly honored as the principal founder of the ice industry. The 
Boston Transcript in its notice of his death, August, 1856, said: 

"It is not perhaps too much to say that there is not a single 
tool or machine of real value now employed in the ice harvesting, 
which was not originally invented by Mr Wyeth. They all look 
to Fresh Pond as the place of their origin". "As one who laid 
open a new field of honorable industry" he was held "entitled to 
the rank of a public benefactor." 

Among his friends who came under the influence of his strong 
personality he was regarded as "oneoftheremarkablemenof New 
England." The tribute to his memory sent to Oregon by Lowell 
stimulated the search for the record of those wonderful expeditions 
led by him. Those in quest of it were rewarded not onlj' in finding 
the manuscripts, nearly complete, but also in getting from the posses- 
sor of them a gracious response to the request for permission to 
publish. 

These sources furnish data for making more adequate and in- 
structive the history of the occupation of the continent, and through 
the publication of them the author will receive due recognition for 
a conspicuous part in a great national movement and for the pos- 
session of a strong spark of heroic spirit like that whose song is, 

*^My purpose holds 

To sail be'^ond the suiiset and the baths 

Of all the western stars until I die.'" 

The manuscript is in the possession of Mrs, Man,^ J,, pigh of 
Taunton, Massachusetts. When sent to be copied for publication 
it took its third trip westward across the continent, but this time 
it was not "to be painfully borne by wearisome marches through 



almost unbroken solitudes for weary months," but now after sixty- 
three years to be "swiftl}- carried in a few days, to find no longer 
at the journey's end the wilderness of Nature but the homes of an 
enlightened and progressive people." 

The editor owes deepest thanks to Mrs. Fish for being entrust- 
ed with the honor of publishing this record and for her consent to 
present it in its integrity. 

The plan has been to reproduce the original faithfully to 
the letter. From the conditions under which the record was 
made some parts are faint and mutilated but it is hoped that de- 
fects arising from this cause and from shortcomings in editing will 
not seriously impair the historical value of these documents. 

Eugene, Oregon, 

July I, 1899. 



ERRATA 



Page 12, 

" 38. 
" 49, 
" 62, 

" 79, 
"126, 

"157, 
"212, 

"236. 



'circumsnances' ' in line 39 should read 



"enongh" 

"Tnesday" 

"Vadcouver" 

"Haying" 

"dot" 

"fiowers" 

"Savvages" 

"contardictory" 



44 
32 

5 
4 

8 

4 
6 

38 



'circumstances" 

"enough" 

"Tuesday" 

' 'Vancouver' ' 

"Having" 

"not" 

' 'flowers' ' 

"Sauvages" 

'contradictory" 



I 

II 

III 

IV 

V 

VI 

VII 

VIII 

IX 

X 

XI 

XII 

XII 

XIV 

XV 

XVI 

XVII 

XVIII 

XIX 

XX 

XXI 

XXII 

XXIIl 

XXIV 

XXV 

XXVI 

XXVII 

XXVIII 

XXIX 

XXX 

XXXI 

XXXII 

XXXIII 



CORRESPONDENCE 

Persons addressed 

Kelley, Hall J. 
Wyeth, Charles 
Wyeth, Jacob 
Neil, Col. J. W. 
Wyeth, Charles 
Wyeth, Jacob 
Wyeth, Leonard 
Hamilton, Samuel S. 
Wyeth, Charles 
Wyeth, Leonard 
Wyeth, Jacob 
Everett, Hon. E. 
Wyeth, Jacob 
Wild, Captain Dixie 
Wyeth, Charles 
Liver more, Solmon K. 

Everett, Hon. E. 

Wyeth, Leonard 

Wyeth, Leonard 

Bach, Theo. 

Wyeth, Jacob 

Wild, Captain Dixie 

Wyeth, Charles 

Livermore, S. K. 

Hughs, I. P. 

Cripps, Geo. 

Wyeth, Leonard 

Wyeth, Charles 

Gardner, Robt. H. 

Whiting, Seymour 

Livermore, S. K. 

Jarvis, I^eonard 
Norris, A. & Co. 



Page 

I 
2 
I 

3 

3 

5 

5 

6 

6 

8 

II 

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15 

16 

17 
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25 
26 
27 
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30 

31 

33 



CONTENTvS 



XXX I V 

XXXV 

XXXVI 

XXXVI I 

XXXVIII 

XXXIX 

XL 

XLI 

XLII 

XLI 1 1 

XL IV 

XLV 

XLVI 

XLV I I 

XLV I 1 1 

XLIX 

L 

LI 

LIT 

LIII 

LIV 

LV 

LVI 

LVII 

LVI 1 1 

Lix 

LX 

Lxi 

Lxil 

LXI 1 1 

LXIV 

LXV 

LXVI 

LXV I I 

LXVI 1 1 

LXIX 

LXX 

LXXI 

LXX I I 

LXXI I I 

LXXTV 

LXXV 

i.XXVI 

LXXV I I 

LXXV I I I 

LXX IX 

Lxxx 



Persons addressed Page 

Touro, Judah 33 

Gardner, Robt. H. 34 

Wyeth, Charles 34 

Ball, John 36 

Wyeth, Leonard 37 

Ivivermore, S. K. 38 

Kelley, H. J. 39 

Davenport and BjTon 39 

Wyeth. Leonard 40 

Davenport and B^^ron 41 

Wyeth, Leonard 41 

Wyeth, Jacob 42 

Davenport and Byron 42 

Whiting, Seymour 42 

Kelley, Hall J. 43 

Perry, Rev. Clark 43 

Wyeth, Leonard 45 

Davenport and Byron 45 

Wyeth, Leonard 46 

W^-eth, Leonard 46 

Bache, Theo. 46 

Ball, John 47 

Sinclair, John 47 

Wyeth, Leonard 47 

Touro, Judah 49 

Kelley, Hall J. 50 

Brown, James 50 

Wyeth, Charles 50 

Wyeth, Leonard 50 

Wyeth, Charles 51 

Kelley, Hall J. 5^ 

Jarvis, Leonard 52 

Tudor, F. 52 

Parents 52 

Tucker and Williams 53 

Wyeth, Leonard 54 

Wyeth, Charles 55 

Jarvis, Leonard 55 

- - * '^ 56 

Simpson, George 58 

Bonneville, Captain 58 

Baker, Joseph, and Son 60 

Boardman, Wm. H. 61 

Tudor, F. 62 

Tucker and Williams and Henry Hall 63 

W^'eth, Leonard 64 

Wyeth, Charles 65 



CONTENTS 



Persons addressed 



I.XXXI 


Jarvis, Leonard 


66 


Lxxxii 


Nuttall, Thomas 


67 


Lxxxi 1 1 


Mclyoughlin, Dr. John 


68 


Lxxxiv 


Von Phull and McGill 


68 


LXXXV 


Ball, John 


68 


LXXXVI 


Ermatinger, F. 


69 


I^XXXVII 


Abbot, Wiggin 


70 


LXXXVIII 


Samuel, E. M. 


70 


IvXXXIX 


Samuel, E. M. 


70 


XC 


Tudor, F. 


71 


XCI 


Tucker and Williams and Henry Hail 


71 


XCII 


Samuel, E. M. 


71 


XCIII 


Sublette, M. G. 


71 


XCIV 


Sublette, M. G. 


72 


xcv 


Harrison, General 


72 


XCVI 


Simpson, Geo. 


72 


XCVII 


Wyeth, Leonard 


72 


XCVIII 


Boardman, Wm. H. 


73 


XCIX 


Wyeth, Jonas 


73 


c 


Hall and Tucker and Williams 


73 


CI 


W^yeth, Leonard 


78 


CII 


Editors 


79 


cm 


Wyeth, Jacob 


79 


CIV 


Baker, Joseph, and Son 


79 


CV 


Perry, Rev. Clark 


80 


CVI 


Livermore, S. K. 


81 


evil 


Jarvis, Leonard 


St 


CVIII 


Hall and Tucker and Williams 


S2 


CIX 


Von Phull and McGill 


S3 


ex 


Wyeth, Leonard 


S3 


CXI 


Baker, Joseph, and Son 


84 


CXII 


Simpson, George 


S4 


CXIII 


Wyeth, Charles 


S5 


CXIV 


Jarvis, Leonard 


S5 


cxv 


Perry, Rev. Clark 


89 


CXVI 


Samuel and More 


90 


CXVII 


Von Phull and McGill 


91 


CXVIII 


Worthington. James 


91 


CXIX 


Wyeth, Charles 


91 


CXX 


Cass, Lewis 


. 92 


CXXI 


Rockhill, Thomas C, and Co. 


93 


CXXII 


Wyeth, Leonard 


93 


CXXIII 


Tucker and Williams 


94 


CXXIV 


Tucker and Williams 


94 


CXXV 


Tucker and Williams 


94 


CXXVI 


Samuel and More 


94 


CXXVII 


Sublette, M. G. 


95 



CONTENTS 



Persons addressed 

cxxviii Tucker and Williams 

cxxix Wyeth, Leonard 

cxxx Sublette, M. G. 

cxxxi W^'eth, Charles 

cxxxii Sublette, M. G. 

cxxxiii Samuel and More 

Cxxxiv Abbot, Wiggin 

cxxxv Seaton, All red 

cxxxvi Wyeth, Charles 

Cxxxvii Samuel and More 

cxxxviii Samuel and More 

cxxxix Wyeth, Leonard 

cxL Nuttall, Thomas 

cxLi Dana, Samuel L. 

cxLii Perry, Rev. Clark 

cxLiii Hallet 

CxLiv Cousin Noah 

CXLV Wyeth, Charles 

cxLvi vSublette, Wm. L. 

cxLvii Nuttall, Thomas 

cxLviii Thing, Joseph 

cxLix Wyeth, Charles 

CL Tucker and Williams 

CLi Pickering, Jno. 

CLii Tucker and Williams 

CLiii Sublette, Wm. L. 

CLiv Rockhill, Thomas C, and Co. 

CLv Wyeth, Charles 

CLvi Tucker and Williams 

CLvii Tucker and Williams 

CI.VIII Sublette, Wm. L. 

CLix Tucker and Williams 

CLX Wyeth, Jacob 

CLXi Lee, Rev. Jason 

CLXii Tucker and Willliams 

CLXiii Thing, Captain Joseph 

CLXiv Thing, Captain Joseph 

CLXv Wyeth, Le"nard 

civXVi Wyeth, Leonard 

CLXvii Tucker and Williams 

CLXViii Grant and Stone 

CLXix Thing, Captain Joseph 

CLxx Metcalf, Col. E. W. 

CLXXi Powers, Deborah 

CLXXii Thing, Captain Joseph 

CLXXiii Bradenbnrgh, Jno. 

CLXXiv Tucker and Williams 



Page 
95 

96 
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TOO 
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109 

no 
no 
no 
in 
III 
III 
113 
113 
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114 
114 
114 
X15 
115 
115 
n6 
n6 



CONTENTS 



Persons addressed 

CLXXV Thing, Captain Joseph 

CLXXVi Thing, Captain Joseph 

CLXXVii Wife 

CLXXviii Tudor, F. 

CI.XXIX Tucker and Williams 

CLXXX Bradenburgh, Jno. 

CLXxxi Thing, Captain Joseph 

CivXXXii Tucker and Williams 

civXXXiii Grant and Son 

CLXXiv Allison and Anderson 

CLXXXV Thing, Captain Joseph 

CLXXXVi Von Phull and McGill 

CI.XXXVII Tucker and Williams 

ci^xxxviir Brown, James 

CI.XXXIX Wyeth, Charles 

cxc Samuel and More 

cxci Brown, James 

cxcii Grant and Stone 

cxciii Tucker and Williams 

cxciv Wyeth, Jacob 

cxcv Nuttall, Thomas 

Cxcvi Samuel and More 

cxcvii Samuel and More 

CXCVI 1 1 Wyeth, I^eonard 

cxc IX Wife 

CC Samuel and More 

CCi Grant and Stone 

CC 1 1 Tucker and Williams 

CCI 1 1 Tucker and Williams 

cciv Tucker and Williams 

ccv Tucker and Williams 

ccvi Tucker and Williams 

CCVii Tucker and Williams 

CCV I II Fitzpatric, Thomas 

ccix Fitzpatric, Thomas, and Co, 

CCx Fen no, James W- 

ccxi Tudor, F, 

ccxii Jarvis, Leonard 

ccxiii Parents 

ccxiv Wife 

ccxv Brown, James 

ccxvi Metcalf, Col. E. W. 

ccxvii Wyeth, Charles . 

CCxviii WVeth, Leonard 

ccxix Von Phull and McGill 

ccxx Tucker and Williams 

ccxxi Sublette, M. G- 



Page 

iiy 
117 
117 
118 
ii9 
120 
121 
121 
121 

121 
122 
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122 
3 22 
122 
123 
123 
123 
124 
125 
126 
S27 
127 
128 
128 
129 

I2g 
129 
129 
130 
131 

131 
132 
T32 
132 

134 
^35 
135 
^35 
136 
136 
^37 

138 
138 
140 



CONTENTS 



Persons addressed 

ccxxii Von Phull and McGill 

ccxxiii Ermatinger, Francis 

ccxxiv Paj^ette, Francis 

ccxxv Bonneville, Captain 

ccxxvi Bonneville, Captain 

ccxxvii Jarvis, Leonard et al 

ccxxviii Stewart, Captain William 

ccxxix Tudor, Frederic 

ccxxx Fenno, James W. 

ccxxxi Brown, James 

ccxxxii Wife 

ccxxxiii Wyeth, Jacob 

ccxxxiv Wyeth, Leonard 

ccxxx V Wyeth, Charles 

ccxxxvi Jarvis, Leonard 

ccxxxvii Richardson 

ccxxxviii Weld 

ccxxxix Tudor, Frederic 

CCXL Brown, James 

CCXLi Jarvis, Leonard 

ccxLii Wyeth, Charles 

CCXI.III Wyeth, Leonard 

ccxiviv Parents 

CCXLV Wife 



JOURNALS 



First Expedition 
Second Expediton 



Page 

140 
140 
141 
141 
142 
142 
142 
142 

144 
144 
145 
145 
146 
146 
147 
148 
149 
150 
151 
152 
153 
153 
154 



155—219 
221 — 251 



Letter and Statement Pertaining to Land Claim 253 — 256 

Index 257—262 



Introduction 



The American people are just experiencing some startling 
•disclosures of the depth of significance to them in their destiny 
springing from the fact that they have a territorial basis contin- 
ental in its proportions. Their facing of the two oceans through 
so much of the north temperate zone of itself affords a mighty 
leverage among the nations of the earth. 

The main story of the making of this nation holds two fairly 
•equal interwoven threads — one follows the development of a new 
order of national institutions; the other shows the lead of that 
instinctive craving of a progressive people for a territorial basis 
adequate for their destin3\ Who will say which national motive 
inspired the larger measure of the heroic? The victories of arms 
have been more resounding where issues of freedom and equality 
were at stake. There is, however, no brighter page of American 
history than, that which records the victory of American diplomacy 
-when in 1783 against the greatest odds the "father of waters" 
was secured for our western boundary. And what could have 
been more sagacious than the stroke of 1803 through which our 
national domain was more than doubled? 

Thrilling were the achievements of George Rogers Clark in the 
winter of 1778-9 and grand the work of the American commis- 
sioners at Paris in 1783, still our expansion to the Pacific is a tale 
of pioneering. The ensigns of an axe on the shoulder of a 
pioneer, a pack horse, and a "prairie schooner" with a household as 
■occupants — all facing westward -tipify our rise to a world power. 

Our national progress towards the occupation of the continent 
assumed an especially interesting phase in the thirties. During 
this decade all conditions were maturing for that grand migratory 
oil-sweep across the plains in the forties and fifties. The van- 
guard of the pioneers had reached the western limits of Iowa, Mis- 
souri and Arkansas. Settlement of the plains beyond before the age 
o: railroads was out of the question. The next move 
then must be as it were a flight to the Pacific coast 
where communication with the civdlized world would agaiti 



xiv INTRODUCTION 

be open by the sea. But it was a move tbe difficulties and 
dangers of which v^-ere appalling. All the previous history of the 
world had enforced the principle that broad belts of uninhabitable 
country and high mountain ranges constituted the natural limits 
of national territory. To overturn this god Terminus and lead 
the way to a wider and higher national destiny called for effort 
that was heroic. Wyeth and Whitman will always stand as re- 
presentative American heroes because of their resolute initiative 
and achievement in connection with this x^merican problem of ex- 
pansion to continental proportions. 

Let us note the elements of the situation at the opening of the 
year iS32,when Nathaniel J. W^^eth had first matured his plariS for an 
expedition to the Oregon Territory. A quarter ofa century had elaps 
ed since Lewis and Clark had threaded the valley's of the upper Mis- 
souri and followed the watersof the Columbia to the western ocean. 
An accurate account of the character of the country and its in- 
habitants had been immediately given to the world. TheWinships 
in 1809 and then Astor in iSii made attempts at occupation with 
trading posts. Nearly twent}^ years had now gone since these 
ventures had suffered dismal discomfiture. These failures had 
not provoked renewed efforts for the conquest of the difficulties 
involved in the occupation of the Columbia basin. True, there 
had been immediately a considerable development of fur-trading 
activities with St. Louis as a base. Annual expeditions by two 
or three companies were made to the headwaters of the rivers 
flowing to the Pacific. Now and then American trapping and 
trading parties would penetrate to California and far down the 
tributaries of the Columbia. But American enterprise seemed to 
quail before the difficulties confronting any project for securing 
such a foothold in the Pacific Northwest as could become the 
nucleus of a colony. There was no promise iii the posts of the 
fur companies scattered sporadically through the Rocky moun- 
tains. 

The English were our only persistent rivals for the possession 
of the Columbia basin. Our claim to it was fortified by priority 
in discovery, exploration and occupation. Quite different, how- 
ever, was the outcome of their ventures for joint occupation from 
the disasters which befell ours. In 18 13 the British Northwest 
Com.pany purchased what was little more than the wreck of 
Astor's outfit at Astoria. A few months later an English man of 
war arrived there to formally seize what was already British in 
sympathy. By the terms of Article I of the treaty of Ghent, 1815, 
all places "taken by either party from the other during the war" 
were to be restored, and accordingly in October of 1818 an Ameri- 
can agent, a Mr. Prevost, received the nominal restitution of what 
had been Astoria, renamed Fort George. The American occupa- 
tion of the Columbia basin had dwnidled to what was represented 
in the ceremony of hauling down the British flag and running up 



INTRODUCTION XV 

fhe Stars and Stripes in the presence of the post of a British fur 
■company, the crew of a British man of war, and a solitary agent 
of the American government. This lone American, further, "sign- 
ed a receipt for the delivery of Fort George, and accepted a re- 
monstrance from the British against the delivery until the final 
■decision of the right of sovereignty to the country between the 
two governments.'" A few days later he was hustled away and 
the British colors were again floated for nearly a generation above 
the parapets of the fort. 

With the consolidation of the Northwest and Hudson's Bay 
Companies in 1821, the establishment of headquarters at Fort 
Vancouver, and the effective administration of Dr. John McI,ough- 
lin as Chief Factor west of the Rocky mountains British interests 
"developed at a wonderful rate. It was claimed on the floor of 
congress that "shares in the Hudson's Bay Compay, which origii - 
ally were of the value of 20 pounds each, were now selling in the 
market at the enormous price of 200 pounds sterling." And again 
■"that shares of that company have risen from sixty to two-hund- 
red and forty pounds sterling." With the growth of English in- 
terests on the Columbia English claims to sovereignty grew 
apace. American operations were confined to irregular incursions 
by fur-trading parties and to traffic carried on with natives from 
the decks of vessels brought into the inlets of the coast. The 
British were establishing posts and extending a well-organized, 
Jucrative and strongly supported trade. 

American enterprise pitted against English on the Columbia in 
the line of fur trading operations was clearly worsted. It is not 
■difficult to see the reasons why this was so. The Oregon countrj^ 
lay much more accessible to British activitj^ than to ours. Judg- 
ing merely from the map it seemed almost equally contiguous to 
British and to American possessions. The forty-ninth parallel 
liad deen extended to the Rocky mountains in 1818 as the divid- 
ing line between the United States and British America. The 
•southern limit of the Oregon territory was the forty-second paral- 
lel, the northern boundary' was fifty-four degrees and fort3^ min- 
utes, hence it abutted on the United States through the length of 
■seven degrees and on English territory through nearly six. But 
considered with reference to actual conditions in this border coun- 
try the advantage of the English is patent. 

The "Great American Desert" was never represented as ex- 
tending into the region h'ing between Lake Superior and the 
Hudson Bay on the one side and Rocky mountains on the other. 
A vast expanse of arid plains lay as a barrier between St. Louis,, 
the base of operations of the American companies, and the game 
preserves of the Rockies and Oregon. This region had to be 
traversed with the more expensive pack-horse transit. Before the 
British company with bases on Lake Superior and the Hud- 
son Bay there lay stretched an uninterrupted game preserve to the 



xvi INTRODUCTION 

headwaters of the Columbia. For traversing this there were 
wonderfully convenient natural facilities of reticulated water 
courses making easy water transits. English occupation of the 
Columbia basin was but a slight extension of a long-established 
chain of posts. American occupation as contemplated by the Win- 
ships, by Astor and again by Wyeth depended mainly upon com- 
munication by sea over a route of 16,000 miles. Formidable as 
was the advantage of the English in relation to contiguity, her 
measure of advantage as represented in the organization, resources, 
personnel, and experience of the Hudson's Bay Company was simply' 
stupendous. How could American comparies, newly organized 
with raw recruits and small capital, hope to cope 
with a corporation possessing in sole right an im- 
perial domain enormously rich in just w'hat suited its 
aims, a capital of two millions and available assets of many mil- 
lions more, the stability that activity of one hundred and fifty 
years along the same lines gives, and as its working iorce a race 
bred, adapted and trained to its purposes of exploiting this 
vast region with its unnumbered tribes to its profit? I am re- 
ferring now to occupation for purposes of trade wdth the Indians 
and exploitation of the region for furs and not to occupation for 
purposes of agriculture. When conditions were matured for the 
pioneer movement the very influences that had made so strongh* 
for England in the lower form of occupation told against her quite 
as effectively as before they had wrought in her favor. 

For the time, however, the agreement between the English and 
American governments to joint occupation resulted in an ex- 
clusive occupation b}^ the English company. And immediately 
Floyd in the House (1820) and Benton in the Senate were sound- 
ing the alarm that we were in danger of losing Oregon. The}- 
urged,further, that with the English fortified there holding influence 
over the Indians our northwestern frontier would be exposed to 
depredations like those suffered during the English occupation of 
the "Old Northwest." These leaders proposed measures to pro- 
tect and support American interests on the Columbia. The mat- 
ter was kept before Congress almost continuously during this de- 
cade. President Monroe in his annual message in 1824 also urg- 
ed the establishment of a military post at the mouth of the 
Columbia with the view of protecting and promoting our interests 
there. Expansion to the Pacific, however, was an idea that did 
not in the twenties recommend itself tu a majority of the two 
houses of congress. 

The expense of the proposed undertaking and the possibility 
that the step would be viewed by I{ngland as a violation of the 
terms of the existing treaty and thus lead to war were deterring 
considerations with the law-makers. An Oregon community as a 
state of the Union was generally held as a chimera in that day be- 
fore ocean steamships piid railway locomotion. Those constitution- 



INTRODUCTION xvii 

ally conservative without the gift of prophetic vision or the index of 
manifest destiny could not but regard it in that light. Under such 
conditi''>ns to lend further inducement to the westward movement of 
a people already possessed of a perverse bent in that direction seemed 
to invite a tuture separation into Atlantic and Pacific nations. 

The termination of the ten-year agreement in 1828 made some 
diplomatic action on the matter necessary, England's interests 
on the Columbia were now too substantial and preponderant for 
her to recede in deference to any claim of title based on discovery and 
exploration. And, further, deceived as to the character of the countr^^ 
she could see no reason fordoubtingher ability to maintain her su- 
premacy there. The cause of the United States could hardly develop 
a weaker aspect than it presented at that time. Both were, therefore, 
willing to bide their time and continue the status of so-called joint 
occupation indefinitely subject to termination on a year's notice. 

Our chain of right to Oregon had snapped in our failure to hold 
our own against the strongly organized English trade. But we 
might easily forego that form of occupation if we could only torge 
the link of occupation by home-builders. The other links to the 
chain of our title had been so gloriously welded to fail at this 
point would be a national disgrace. So thought many. The 
idea was soon to warm a host of pioneers. It had already set one 
mind aflame. 

Hall J. Kelley, a Boston school teacher, became in 181 5 an en- 
thusiast for saving the Oregon country to the Union through col- 
onization. From 1824 on he gave himself up to the work of agi- 
tation. In 1828 an emigration society with a large membership 
was organized. This was incorporated in 1 831, and the spring 
of 1832 was fixed upon as the time for setting out on an overland 
expedition to Oregon. But something more than enthusiasm was 
needed to get an expedition even mustered, equipped and started 
for Oregon, to say nothing of conducting it successfully through 
two thousand miles of wilderness. 

While preparations for the expedition by the Boston Coloniza- 
tion Society were in progress Nathaniel J. Wyeth, then twenty- 
nine years old and superin*:ending a flourshing business with some 
separate interests of his own, became impressed with the idea there 
was a role for him in executing one of his country's trusts for civ- 
ilzation. There was in the Oregon territory a remnant of the conti- 
nent still to be subdued toman's higher uses and he felt his fitness 
for the work. He saj^s, "I cannot divest myself of the opinion 
that I shall compete better with my fellow men in new and untried 
paths than in those to pursue which requires only patience and at- 
tention." He partially engaged to attach himself with a company 
to the expedition planned by the Society of which Kellej^ was the 
secretary. 

Kelley, the moving spirit of this undertaking, wished to trans- 
plant a Massachusetts town to Oregon and make it the nucleus of 



xviii INTRODUCTION 

a new state. He hoped to repeat with appropriate variations the 
history- of the Puritan colony of Massachusetts Bay. The New 
Englander of the nineteenth century, however, was not so ready to 
sacrificehimself for an idea as had been his progenitors of the seven- 
teenth. Unless Kelley could organize conditions so that success 
seemed certain, he could not expect the enthusiasm of his followers 
to bear them on. Such conditions he could not organize. His 
colony failed to muster. 

Wyeth had proposed to incorporate his company with Kelley's 
colon}' solely for the strength there is in union. When Kelley 
began to falter with his plans, shift dates and change conditions, 
W^-eth swung clear of the Oregon Colonization vSociet}' and or- 
ganized his expedition independently. 

The motive that impelled Wyeth to undertake his expeditions 
to the Oregon countr}' was that same primal instinct that has been 
the predominant influence in producing the westward movement 
of the Aryan peoples since their first promptings of might. The 
suggestion was received by Adam in the Garden of Eden when 
he was told to subdue the earth and have dominion over its 
creatures. 

There was much at this time in a Boston environment to bring 
the Columbia basin very close to the consciousness of natures en- 
dowed as were Kelley and Wyeth. Boston traders had so far 
monopolized the American trade with the Indians on the Pacific 
coast that these had no other name for Americans than "Boston 
men." The Columbia river had been discovered by a captain in 
the employ- of a company of Boston merchants. Wj^eth was 
cognizant of at least half-a-dozen Boston houses that had grown 
wealthy in prosecuting the fur trade of the North Pacific coast. 

Even before starting Wyeth had appreciated the fact that the 
American activities beyond the Rockies were of a nomadic order and 
that the British company with its established posts was supreme. He 
knew that it represented a higher economic organization and was 
impregnable against such forms of assault as the Americans had so 
far brought against it. He, however, believed that the region 
from the Columbia river south to the forty-second parallel and 
from the Rocky mountains west to the ocean, a country three 
hundred by six hunred miles in extent, was still fairh'^ open for 
occupation. He proposed to occupy it. He expected the status 
of joint occupation to last but a few years longer. By the time 
of its termination the American trade from vessels would have 
wholly disappeared before the more economic methods of the 
Hudson's Bay Company and his own and he would be left in sole 
possession of the region above described. 

Wyeth as a New Englander is hardly to be l)lamed for not 
having foreseen the impending pioneer movement. It came from 
the western frontier. So precipitately did this sv.-eep on and con- 
stitute an occupation by an agricultural population that there could 



INTRODLTCTION xix 

not have been successful a occupation by American traders organiz- 
ed under the higher form with established posts. Moreover, he un- 
derestimated the overwhelming strength of the Hudson's Bay 
Company and its grim determination not to brook competition. 

His was not to be a hide-bound fur trading enterprise. He be- 
gan that which has been developed into the great salmon industrj^ 
of the North Pacific coast. He located a farm in the Willamette 
valley. It was his purpose to select those branches of business 
for which he deemed his company most competent and which ap- 
peared to hold out the best prospects. Had he been able to get 
his enterprise fairly on its feet his keen business sagacitv would 
have found and developed those lines for which the time and 
country- were waiting. 

With high American spirit he scorned monopoly privileges. Dif- 
ference of nationalitj- and the bitter clash of business interests did 
not act as a bar to the good fellowship and mutual regard of 
Nathaniel J. Wyeth and Dr. John McLoughlin. A life-long friend- 
ship was cemented between them. Fortunate, indeed, it was for 
the English and the American peoples that in this crisis they 
were represented by men of such depth of character and largeness 
of humanity. The restoration of the correspondence that passed 
between them would no doubt give much insight into the moving 
forces of this period of the history of the Pacific Northwest. 

In a summary of his views on the Oregon question submitted to 
a Congressional committee in I S39, three years after his return 
from his second expedition, Wyeth says: "In conclusion, I will 
observe that the measures of this [Hudson's Bay] Company have 
been conceived with wisdom, steadih' pursued, and have been well 
seconded by their government, and the success has been complete; 
.and without being able charge on them any very gross violations 
of the existing treaties, a few years will make the country west 
of the mountains as English as they can desire. Already the 
Americans are unknown as a nation, and, as individuals, their 
power is despised b}' the natives of the land. A population is 
growing out of the occupancy of the countr}^, whose prejudices 
are not with us; and before many 5-ears they will decide to whom 
the country shall belong, unless in the meantime the American 
government make their power felt and seen to a greater degree 
than has yet been the case." 

Not yet had he discerned the rising of that human tide on the 
•western frontier that was so soon to overleap the two-thousand 
mile barrier of arid plains, deserts and mountains steeps. Still as 
Bancroft says, "He it was who, more directly than any other man, 
marked the way for the ox-teams v.'hich were so shortly' to bring 
the Americanized civilization of Europe across the roadless 
continent " 



CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE LETTER BOOK OF 

CAPTAIN NATHANIEL J. WYETH, 

Referring to His Expeditions to Oregon. 



I. 

Philad Augt 30th 1831 
Hall J Kelley Esq. (Genl Agent for the Oregon Colonization 
Society Boston) 

Dear Sir I write to inform a'ou that I shall 
not return as soon as I expected having been detained here on 
buisness. I shall be in Boston about the 6th of next month, and 
will see j^ou as soon thereafter as practicable in regard to my ap- 
plication for a scituation in the first expedition to the Oregon 
Country. 

Doct Jacob Wyeth a brother of mine now practicing Medicine 
and Surger}^ in N. Jersey at Howell Furnace, wishes me to enter 
his name as an applicant for the birth of Surgeon in one of the 
companies of the first expedition, which scituation he is desirous 
of obtaining only in the event of a scituation being offered me 
which I shall accept, he not wishing to remove to that Country 
without me. He is thirty three years old or thereabout was edu- 
cated at Harvd. University studied medicine with Mr Revere of 
Baltimore and Doct Shattuck of Boston and attended Lectures in 
Boston was regularly graduated as a Phisician, he is unmarried. 
I am yr obt Servt Nathl. J. W3^eth 

II. 

Cambridge Oct 5th 1831 
Bro Charles (Baltimore) 

I have received your favour in reph' to a former one 
of mine. The expression of good feelings that it contains 3'ou 
may be assured are gratifying to my feelings, p[a]rticularl3' un- 
der present circumstances. 

All earthl^^ things are uncertain and none more so than those, 
the accomplishment of which depend upon others and this is the 
case in regard to the expedition to Oregon, there is no other 
doubt of my going except the failure of the whole concern but as 



2 CORRESPONDENCE: [59 

this is possible I do not wish you to take the trouble to come here 
to utter 5^our last speech and dying confessions at present. The 
moment I find there is any certainty of their going I will write 
3'ou. 

My plan is to go out there and carry with me what property I 
can spare after leaving a support for m}' wife, and do what I can 
with it. It will perhaps not much more than get me there, and 
after finding what can be done in the fur trade, or other buisness, 
write to friends, whom I shall prepare before hand, to send me 
the means of doing buisness, of these friends I mean you to be 
one, Leond. another, and a third here. More I can have if 
wanted but would rather confine myself to these, and what 
money I can make for myself or those in whom I have an 
interest 



N J W 



in. 



Cambridge Oct 5th 1831 
Bro. Jacob (Howell Furnace N. J.) 

Yours of the 22nd ulto is at hand. Many women 
are going, but for my own part I would not carry one in the first 
expedition the}' will of course ride, the route is practicable for 
horses. I will make riding provision for your wife I fear no 
difficulty on the route for any one, but some for the first year 
after getting there. Would it not be better to defer marr^'ing un- 
til 3'-our wife can get out there b^- means of the second expedition? 
The amt. of salarv' which 3'ou will receive is not worth the trouble 
of asking about. If th^ expedition is successful! you will reap a 
rich harvest from the buisness of the country if otherwise 3'ou 
will loose 3^our time, the salary which Kelley refers to will be paid 
3'ou for services as an appendage to an army and the duties of 
3'our place will not admit of general practice because your corps 
will be moveable. I will pay over the $20 for your ace. 

The expedition does propose to leave this the ist Jany. but 
most of such appointments are delayed beyond the time set, all 
you have to do is to close your accounts as fast as a'Ou can, 
and I will inform you as soon as I know m3'self the time when it 
is necessary to start from your place to meet us. All the prepara- 
tion I will make for you. Surgical instruments clothing &c we 
will purchase on the route in the cities through which we pass, 
and if requisite and with your leave draw on Leond for what is 
necessary for your fixtures. The route will take in Boston, N 
York, Piiilad. Balto. CincinCnJati St Louis, thence in a right line 
acrost to the Rocky Mountains overland to near Santa Fee where 
there is a pass in the mountains thence a N. \V. course to meet 
IvCwis river down which we go to the Columbia river, the place of 
our destination distance from St Louis about 2000 miles. The 
b[e]st manner you can invest your property except what is requi- 



6o] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 3 

site to equip you for the Journey is to leave it at interest as a re- 
sort in case of failure in 3'our objects out there. Books are too 
cumbersome to carry out, the knowledge must go in your head 
the books can be got b^^ the second expedition, and the instru- 
ments we can purchase in five minutes when I meet you in New 
York. The first expedition are all to be soldiers, as much land 
as wanted can be bought of the Co. 200 acres is to be a privates 
portion what the officers are to have I have not enquired. 

N. J. W. 
IV. 

Cambridge Oct 17th 1831 
To Col J W Neil Boston 

Dear Sir In the absence of the Genl. 
Agent for the Oregon Colonization Societ}" I take the liberty of 
addressing to 5^ou the following queries viz Whether any persons 
which I may induce to join the first expedition will be attached 
to my Company. Whether it is expected that a person receiving 
the appointment of a Surgeon is expected to pay the Society $20 
mentioned in their 3rd Circular as a loan and whether there will 
be a surgeon appointed to each Company and if so whether a 
brother of mine who has received an assurance from Mr Kelley 
of an appointment will be connected with my company. 

An answer to these particulars and also any information which 
you may be disposed to communicate in regard to the certainty 
of an expedition at all, the numbers which may be expected to go 
in the first expedition the route to be taken after leaving St. 
IvOuis, the time when to be commenced &c &c, and also when I 
ma}' call on you to confer upon these subjects will be thankfulty 
received by 

Yr. obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth 

V. 

Cambridge , Nov nth 1831 
Brother Charles (Baltimore) 

Will you have the goodness to collect 
the information required for answering the questions below and 
as soon as practicable forward me answers to them. This infor- 
mation I have no doubt you will easily obtain from many of your 
neighbors and customers who are in ihe tobacco buisness either 
as planters or venders of the same, be pleased to give your an- 
swers as definite as possible and be certain that it is correct as it 
is required in order to the raising the article as one of trade be- 
3-ond the Rock}' Mountains and a mistake would be bad buisness. 

ist Should it be planted as early in the season as to be entirely 
out of the reach of Frost, or will it bear a slight degree of it. 

2nd How should the seed be planted in the field where it is 
intended to grow? or in beds to be transplanted? 



4 CORRESPONDENCE: . [6i 

3rd In what scituations and soil? with manure or without? in a 
dry or wet place? 

4th How thick will it thrive 

5th what mode of culture is required weeding? training, gath- 
ering at what time 

6th [What] method is used to cure it and how kept after it is 
cured 

7th How is the seed obtained at. what time gathered How 
treated and kept and what is the ordinary quantit}- required per 
cwt. of the product usuallj" 

Beside these queries be good enough to make any remark 
which you think wnll be useful! in the culture of the plant. 

As time passes on the project of emigration assumes form and 
shape, and a nearer approach toward certainty. I think there is 
little doubt of my going, for I find that I can get good men who 
will follow me on a trading project, on the basis of division of 
profits, and this thing I will do (if I can) if the emigration fails. 
i believe I can find other men who will for a certain other share 
of profits furnish all the money wanted which wall not be great, 
for I mean to have a cargo ready there, before a vessell leaves 
here and the investment will be only the trading articles sent 
out, the return cargo will pay the freight, and possibly be in time to 
meet the notes given for the articles sent me. It is about 10 months 
voyage there and back. It appears to me that if I can find means 
to get the menoutthere with articles of trade suf[f]icient with their 
exertions as hunters, smiths &c to obtain a cargo, that finding 
persons to send out a vessell and cargo of trading articles on the 
strength of it will not be dif[f]icult. This I have no doubt I can 
accomplish to the extent of 50 men with equipments, and articles 
of trade as many as they can carry with some iron and steel for 
our smiths to work up, and traps for catching furs, and with them 
I have no doubt I can scrape together a cargo for a vessell of 150 
Tons in the course of a year. After having done this of [or?] so 
nearly done it as to be sure of doing it I shall write home for the 
vessell and an invoice of articles of trade, which from my then 
acquired knowledge I shall be competent to do. 

Present my respects to all j^our folks wife and little one, tell 
Charlie I am going where I can catch him a wild horse to play 
with I think the Idea will take his fancy much 

N. J. \V. 

P. S. Will you have the goodness to send me what informa- 
tion you can respecting the route from your City to Pitsburg, and 
thence to St. Louis by way of the river. Name the distance, fare, 
and mode of conveyance from Balto. to Pitsburg the fare down 
the river whether the boats will take Horses and Wagons whether 
they will reduce tlie fare in consideration of our luimber sle[e]p- 
ing on deck &c or not, with the times required to make the dif- 



62] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 5 

ferent routes with any other information 3^ou may be able to add. 
I wish to know also if the boats go in the night. 

VI. 

Cambridge Nov 12th 183 1 
Brother Jacob (HovvT^ell Furnace Monmouth County New Jersey) 

In case the contemplated colonization project 
should fail it is still our intention to go to the new Country in 
which case we shall form ourselves into a Trading Company in 
furs. It is the object of the present letter to ascertain whether 
in such case you will follow us in your capacity as surgeon your 
compensation will be a certain share of the profits of the concern 
and your exertions in forwarding the interests of the concern will 
be required not only in administering to our own men but also 
to the Indians the payment for which will go into the common 
stock your answer is wanted immediately if in the afiirmative I 
will take care that an equitable share of the profits is obtained 
for you in the contract and -other requisite provisions made 
for you 

I am &c N J Wyeth 
VII. 
Cambridge Nov 14th 1831 
Brother Leonard (New York) 

I write to request you to collect what information 
you can in respect to the route up the Hudson and through the 
Canal to Buffaloe thence by the Lake to Erie on Lake Erie and 
thence by the Canal to Pitsburg thence down the Ohio to the Mis- 
souri Branch and up to St Louis 

Any information you can gather respecting these routes will be 
valuable and is wanted in order to the fixing of a route for our 
troops We wish to know if any deduction will be made in con- 
sideration of our numbers say 50, what are the rates of passages 
usualy paid a person and per Ton for Baggage up the Hudson to 
the Canal what are the rates on the Canal for person and Bag- 
gage at what rate they travel on it whether they travel all night 
whether any saving could be made by marching during the day 
and taking passage during the night, and whether their rate of 
traveling is faster than the march of men, vv^hat the expence of 
toll is on the Canal for a Boat with 50 men and their Baggage, 
what is the facility of going from Buffaloe to Erie and by what 
means and what rates of fare and what distance and the time re- 
quired for the voA^age, what the Length of the Canal from Erie to 
Pitsburg and the other queries relative to the Pludson and the Erie 
Canal as above, also what information you can obtain in regard to 
the river route from Pitsburg to St Louis. Ifin your way you can 
also give me some information concerning the route from N York 
to Pitsburg by way [of] Philad and Baltimore making as little 
Land traveling on said route as possible also bear in mind in our 



6 CORRESPONDENCE: [63 

travel we cook for and lodge ourselves and will for suitable 
compensation or reduction of Fare do any work that will not 
retard our passage and require nothing but the uper deck if 
these things vv^ould lessen the expence. 

If the Colonization Societ^^ go through with their project I shall 
go out in their service if not I shall get up a Joint Stock Trading 
Concern (if I can) and go on with a similar plan but on a smaller 
scale the details of which I vdll give you as far as settled when you 
come this way which I hope will be before the ist Jny we shall 
not probabty start before ist April from this place provided we go 
out on the last maned [named?] plan [No signature.] 

VIII. 

Cambridge Nov 28, 1831 
Saml S. Hamilton Esq (Washington) 

Chief clerk of Bureau of Indian affairs 
Sir 

Having in contemplation to undertake an expedi- 
tion to the west of the Rocky Mountains for the purpose of trade, 
and to that section of the coast claimed by the American Govt. I 
am desirous of obtaining information in regard to the Laws regu- 
lating Indian trade. In the course of the contemplated expedi- 
tion transactions ma}'- be had with tribes this side of the Mountains. 
It is the object of the present communication to request of 3^ou 
the favor of pointing out to me the best mode of obtaining this in- 
formation, or if it is embodied in a Pamphlet form at j-our office 
to forward the same to my direction. In case I have applied to 
the wrong person for this information will you have the goodness 
to send this letter to the proper person and much oblige 

Yr Obt Servt N. J. \V. 

IX. 

Cambridge Dec 4th 1831 
Brother Charles (Baltimore) 

Your favour of 28 Nov is at hand and 
contains all the information that is wanted and for which I am 
much obliged to you, but as one good turn deserves another I will 
trouble you to be on the lookout for a man who is competent to 
rearing Tobacco and w^ho will Join our expedition on the terms 
hereinafter mentioned as the foundation upon which all the others 
are to go for the terms are to be all alike with the exception of 
myself and the surgeon. The plan now proposed b\' me is to have 
nothing to do with the Oregon Society, but to form a Joint Stock 
Concern composed of 50 persons who are to be bound to each other 
for the term of 5 years for the purpose of following under m^^ 
direction the trade and buisness of that Countr^^ in all its branches 
selecting those for which we deem ourselves most competent and 
which appear to us to hold out the best prospects and to be de- 
termined upon on the spot all expenses are a charge against the 



64] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 7 

amount of proceeds, Freight Charter partA^ Cost of goods and all 
disbursements of every description the residue after this deduction is 
to be divided into 50 equal parts 8 of which are to be mine 2 are for 
the Surgeon and Doctor and the remaining 40 are divided equally 
among the men. I am to procure all credits wanted for the ex- 
pedition and all disbursements necessary for. their fitting out with 
the exception of their personal equipments and expences as 
far as Franklin Missouri. 

This plan I have adopted in preference to hiring all the men 
and taking Capital at the halves, for which I have man^^ offers, 
because I think that hired men would not effect so much as those 
who have a share of the profits, and probabty could not be kept 
together at all, in consequence of which Half profits would not 
amount to as much as my present plan gives me, also the scitua- 
tion I would be in would be more difficult and attended with more 
risque as pay of men would amount to a large sum and would 
have to be paid profits or no profits. This plan obliges me to raise 
some 5000$ for articles of trade, munitions of hunting, stock for 
manufacturing and the like including horses from St. Louis to 
carry baggage, and a few provisions $2000 to $2500 I shall have 
to borrow of you and Leonard, for I vv'-ill not ask it of any one 
else even if I go without it and if s'ou agree to lend it to me j'-ou 
will get it again if I ever return if not charge it to my ace. in the 
next world this mone}?- will be wanted on my draft from. N. Or- 
leans or St Louis given about the 20th April. Will you write 
we whether you can lend me this sum or half of it as soon as con- 
venient The residue say 2500 to 3000$ I shall have of my own 
that I can spare from the support of my wife. With regard to 
the vessell and cargo of Trading articles I cannot order them to 
advantage until I know the trade which VN^ill not be until I have 
remained in the country a short time, and I shall not order an}'-- 
thing until I have on hand a return cargo of the results of our ex- 
ertions, and of the first stock taken with us, as a pledge to offer 
those persons who charter me a vessell and which being insured 
on their passage home will answer as a remittance to pay for the 
articles sent out by the vessell whichif purchased at a credit of a 
year they v/ill be in good season to pay for, and this buisness too I 
am in hopes to manage between you and Leonard, and I do not see 
as you need run any risque in this last matter except of my good 
faith, as the operation will be predicated on the amount of avails 
which we have at the moment of our ordering actually on hand 
and to which may be also added all that will be collected between 
the time of ordering the vessell and her arrival. When you an- 
swer this letter which do soon answer what you are able to do in 
this matter also. In addition to the offer Mr. Jarvis made me of 
assistance in New York last summer, he has again offered me by 
letter an}^ assistance which I may want. This is very good in him 
and will be duly remembered, but I do not wish to avail m5'seif 



8 CORRESPONDENCK: [65 

of it if I can avoid it whicii I am confident that I shall be able to 
do. Something however depends upon your answer. The 
reason whj^ I wish not to accept of Mr. Js offer is that I have 
no claim upon his kindness and I can offer him no prospect of 
profit aG for the first five 3^ear3 at least all the profit which / ca}i 
spare must go to those who earn them, but after the expiration 
of the first term m}^ acquired knowledge will be such as to war- 
rant me in taking charge of a buisness in vv^hich it would be safe 
and profitable to invest money to a large amount and then those 
who assist me now will receive their reward, but at present men 
have not confidence enough in the enterprise to embark their 
persons in it unless they can have a large share of the profits. 

I think you had best abandon the idea of coming on here this fall 
or winter at least until further news. It is most probable I shall 
pass through your city on my route to Pitsburg. As far as I now 
know a packet from this to your place will be the best plan. 

My best respects to wife and remember his uncle to the little 
Boys. 

I am. affily yrs Narhl J. V^'^reth 

X. 

Cambridge Dec 5th 1S31. 
Brother Leonard (N. York) 

Since writing you last I have received from Jacob 
an order on you at sight for $600. This I obtained from him on 
account of his outfit which I can make to more advantage for him 
than he can for himself $100 is the extent of what I shall spend 
for him on this account, and this sum. will be w^anted about ist 
April certainty not before, and can probably be taken up in Bal- 
timore of Charles for in all probability our route wdll be by pack- 
ett from this to Balto. direct and thence to Pitsburg. The resi- 
due of the Draft please retain in your hands in the same manner 
as though it had been accepted by 3'ou, this in order that he may 
not make a pretext of the expedition for spending the little re- 
maining moncA^ he has and which if given to his order will be en- 
tirely useless to him and to the expedition. 

The colonization Society have so far altered their plan as to join 
the first and second expeditions into one and both go by the way 
of St. Ivouis, Platte River Levy'ls River Dake Timpanagos,* 
Columbia &c. This plan I do not like as women and children 
can not get started from St Douis before the ist Juty. They do 
not propose to set out before the ist June and there will be at 
least one months falling off from the time set. This with the un- 
avoidable delay of such a cavalcade vx-ill make the ist Sept. before 
reaching the pass of the Rock}^ Mountains at the head of the 

^""A map of the Internal Provinces of New vSpain" given with Coues" 'Ex- 
pedition of Z. M. Pike" practically identifies this with the Great Salt Lake 
of Utah. 



66] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 9 

Platte River and this is but half way and it is necessary to reach 
the place of Destination a sufficient time before the ist Nov to 
make provision for the winter as about that time a great part of 
the Indians from whom supplies might be had as well as the great- 
er part of the Birds and Beasts leave the country for southern 
quarters and the fish leave the River for the Sea, and a party so 
composed and so large will call for all the exertions of all the men 
attached to them, and then leave much undone that might con- 
duce to the comfort of the party, and in this way it will be at 
least a year, and I fear longer, before we shall get any time to de- 
vote to the purposes for which we go out viz. making money, and 
for this they offer onl}^ the poor advantage of 200 acres of land, 
which is hardly a quid pro quo, beside which there, is some dan- 
ger that they may get into so miuch dificulty as to be obliged to 
return, which would be an entire defeat of our enterprise, for it 
would be hard to get men to travel over the same ground twice. 
It is quite as much as I can do to get good men the first time and 
after one failure it will not be possible to get them to start again. 

These considerations have induced me to delay entering into 
any agreement with them until the last moment, and not then 
unless I am better satisfied with their arrangement than I am now. 
If the advantages appertaining to the Societj^ can be obtained 
without a material sacrifice of my own objects I will join them 
but not otherwise. 

My plan (in which I have proceeded so far as to raise 26 
men) is to raise 50 men to go out to that countr}'- so earl^^ 
as to leave St. I^ouis on the ist May 1832 for the purpose 
of follovnng the trade of that country in all its branches 
for which we deem ourselves competent. Many of these 
men are manufacturers in the various branches of iron work man- 
facturing of arms and ammunition and a few to cultivate such ar- 
ticles as are of use to ourselves and in the Indian trade such for in- 
stance as tobacco. The proceeds of the exertions of these men 
are to be divided into 50 equal parts, 2 of which are to belong to 
Jacob if he goes out as surgeon or to whoever is surgeon 8 to mA'- 
self and 40 to the 48 remaining men or at the same ratios for a 
diferent number of men. I am to furnish all the camp equipage 
and trading articles necessary for our first outfit to the extent 
of 5000$, and to procure credit for the Co. for a vessell and an 
Invoice of trading articles to be ordered to that country vv^hen a 
quantity of avails suffiicient to secure the payment for the same 
has been collected. The first disbursement of 5000^ as well as 
the freight and cost of articles sent out and all other disburse- 
ments of every description are to be deducted from the gross pro- 
ceeds before the division mentioned above in other words for fur- 
nishing the use of 5000$ in cash, and the required credit for ves- 
sell and Invoice of articles for v/hich I have the goods to pledge I 
am to have the exertions of 7 men beside myself. This though 



lo CORRESPONDENCE: [67 

not a large share of gross profits is a good share of nett profits, 
and I shall have to strain some to accomplish m}' part of the con- 
tract. 2500 or 3000$ of the cash I have on hand the residue I 
must borrow and I hope to be able to get it between you and 
Charles. I also hope to get you or Charles to manage the getting 
me' a vessell to bring the articles I send for and bring home 
those I have collected. The vessell may be taken up and the 
freight to be paid on the delivery of the home cargo and thus far 
managed without mone3^, and probably the goods sent for might 
be purchased on an obligation to pa^^ at the end of the year or on 
the return of the vessell and the consideration for length of 
credit made in the price, and for securit}^ the home bound cargo 
insured, an invoice of which I will send you when the order is 
sent for the vessell and the goods. If you feel' disposed to favor 
me so far as to lend me on ist April next the whole or half of the 
cash wanted over and above what I have say 2000^ or 2500 if the 
whole and 1000 to 1500$ if you can furnish but half and take up- 
on yourself to manage the sending out of the vessell, you Vv'Ould 
favor me by answering in the affirmative. I know it will be in- 
convenient for you but at some rate or other I must accomplish 
it and I at present know" of no other means without I resort to 
Mr. Jarvis who has recently made me an offer of assistance b3" 
letter but I feel an almost insuperable objection to using him or 
puting myself under any obligations to him. I have offers of 
plenty of cash for half profits but in this case so small a share of 
profits can be offered the men that good ones cannot be induced 
to go and hiring must be resorted to and I apprehend that a set 
of hired men would make my scituation ver}" difficult. They 
would desert me, would be idle while in the employment and if 
not their pay alone would take a large share of the profits and 
render my then half profits a smaller sum than my present 16 per 
cent, besides the greater dificulty of getting up an expedition on 
such a foundation. 

Please write me what time I may expect 3-ou this month or 
when I may think of seeing you if you cainiot come this month. 
It is quite requisite that I should see you before I to a!id I appre- 
hend if I see you at all it must be here for unless j'our informa- 
tion is more favorable than I expect in regard to the Canal and 
Lake Erie route I shall take packett from here direct to Baltimore. 

The countr^^ looks like the spirit of Winter had passed over it 
in tempest and frost leaving a legacy of a foot of snow behind 
him and a gale of wind from the N. W. I hope the cold will con- 
tinue until I am done icing which will be with good luck about 
in time for a move. I am now all in heaps having just moved 
into my new house and things are not yet put to rights. 

Be pleased to give m3' affectionate regards to 3'our good wife 
and kiss the little ones for their uncle Nat. and believe that I 
remain Y Afte Bro. X. J. W. 



68] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. ii 

XI. 

Dec. 8th 1 83 1 
Brother Jacob 

(Howell Furnace Monmouth Cy. N. Jersey) 

Yours of the 25th ulto. is at hand contaming your answer in 
the affirmative to my query "of whether in case the Oregon Col- 
onization fail in their objects" you would join a trading expe- 
dition to the same parts. I have entered your name as one of 
the Co. The formation of a Trading Co. on a similar plan 
to the Hudson Bay and North West is the ultimate object of 
my going to that countrs^, and tJiis new plan is no farther new 
than so far as to form the Co. here in stead of after getting out 
to the place of destination, and to this alteration I am induced 
by a fear of the failure of their plans, and a desire that mine may 
be carried into effect in any case. The first plan would be the 
best in- as-much as men tied in the toils of such expeditions, 
might be picked out, the second is best in that it enables me to 
go on in case the Company do not, and also to go on independ- 
ently of them if their arrangements are such as do not meet my 
approbation. Now in the first place I think they will fail en- 
tirely of going, but supposing they do not, they have so far 
changed their plans as to unite their 2 expeditions into one, 
comprising a host of men who are merely cultivators of the earth, 
unused to any hardships, and unwilling to meet any, women and 
children and to start on the ist June. You have seen how true 
my predictions were in regard to their first start, and they will 
be equally true in regard to this. If thej^ propose the ist 
June they will not ccrtai7ily go before the ist July, and after that, 
allowing the best luck they will not reach any of the passes of 
the Mountains before the ist September, and that is the latest 
month of their proper arrival at their place of destination, and is 
only half the way from St Louis. You may judge j^ourself how 
much such a host must suffer b}^ arriving at their Destination at 
the Commencement of winter, when the natives (of whom sup- 
plies may be had), leave the country, as well as beasts, Birds and 
fishes, and also that it is a sacrifice of one years time in our buis- 
ness and for which we gain nothing but such a tittle as they can 
give us of 200 acres of land each. This is not a "quid pro quo" 
and if they manage their buisness as I apprehend they mean to 
do I shall wash mj^ hands clean of them, at least if I can get 
along with my plan without them. 

In this state of the case I have not paid fo them the 20$ on 
your account, but have made an arrangement by which if I choose 
I can with- all my Co. be exempt from pa3dng the same by being 
answerable for all the disbursements of my Co. after leaying St. 
Louis and still retain the ordinary priviledges of emigrants. I 
shall not make my election until I find what their arrangements 
are in order to see whether it is worth while. 



12 CORRESrONDENCE: [69 

The foundation of the division of profits in this concern will be, 
m3'self for furnishing the requisite capital and leading the same 8 
parts The surgeon 2 parts 48 men 40 parts, the whole profits be- 
ing divided into 50 parts; division at the end of the contract viz 5 
years. 

Your Draft has been duly received and please notify Leonard 
that it has been given, all arrangements I will notify to you 
in season onW one suit of clothes will be required for you and 
this one suitable to appear like a gentleman in the places through 
which we go. A uniform dress will be provided for you and 
arms. Keep all your surgical instruments but buy no more We 
will buy them in Philad. or Balto. as we goon, which will be about 
the ist April next whether the Society go or not. I shall delay 
no longer. In the mean time continue your buisness or if 3"ou 
must come this way before 3^ou go close it and quit it and go [o]n 
with us. The chief cost of the journey will be coming this way for 
I shall travel cheaplv on the route outwards. 

Yrs N. J. W. 

XII. 

Cambridge Dec. 19th 1S31. 
To the Hon. E. Everett 

Sir 

Enclosed 3-ou have a letter from Mr. 
Nuttall containing in part m^' views in regard to this application 
to the executive. I have to repeat that no view of emolument 
induces it but only a desire to serve the views of the Govt, in re- 
gard to that Countrj^ It has occured to me that the Govt, might 
avail itself of m^^ services to obtain information concerning that 
Country which in time would be useful to them. I would will- 
ingly devote a portion of my time to their service without other 
compensation than the respectability attached to all those who 
serve their country', and the advantage of having some employ- 
ment for the mind, in a buisness that will afford much Leisure. 

In order to the better understanding [of] my advantages for 
collecting information I will detail to 3'ou my plan of operations, 
which is the formation of a Joint Stock Trading Company of 
about 50 men to proceed to the Country, without positive^ set- 
tling the particular buisness in which they will engage but to be 
dictated by circumsnances when there (probably the fur buisness 
will be selected). This company will leave tliis vicinity some 
time from the ist March to the ist April next. 31 persons 
have alread}^ entered their names. This bodA' will go out in 
company with the Oregon Colonization Society provided that so- 
ciety do go at abovtt that time, but will go without them in case they 
do not move near the time above named, and are to be no other- 
wise connected with them, than may be dictated by convenience on 
the route as far as the sources of the Columbia. The contract bv 



7o] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 13 

which this Co. is bound together is to continue during 5 years, 
and if successfull is to be extended through an indefinite time. 

I have to ask that you will communicate this offer to the Gov- 
ernment in case you deem proper, or if you think it better that I 
make application personall5^(with refference to you)I will do so, but 
I have to request you in ouch case to inform me what department 
of I should apply to for this purpose. In conclusion I must ask 
you to excuse the liberty I have taken in troubling an entire 
stranger witn my affairs but I am induced to do so by your well 
known re[a]diness to serve 3'our constituents and your ability 
to do so. 

I am Respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt. Nathl J. W^^eth 

P. S. In case you should answer this, it would much oblige 
me if you would indicate some method by which I can obtain 
copies of two treaties in regard to the Country claimed by the U. 
S. on the Pacific Ocean, and made withG. B. somewhere about 
the years 1817 & 1828. 

XIII. 

Cambridge Dec 26th 1831 
Bro Jacob 

(Howell Furnace Monmouth Cy. N. Jersey) 
Yours of the 16 inst. at hand. I wrote you on the 8th Dec. 
an answer to your letter of 25th of Nov. last the following 
is a summar^^ of my letter of the 8th inst. That I considered 
your letter as an engagement on your part to go to that Country 
as a member of a trading Co. in case the Society do not go. That 
the Society have so far altered their plans as to join their two ex- 
peditions into one. That I considered this joining of the two ex- 
peditions as very objectionable in-as-much as it encumbers us with 
a heavy mass or women and children and other helpless persons 
whereby great delay and probable failure will ensue. That I have 
not paid in the 20$ on your account but have made an arrange- 
ment b\^ which with all vay Co. I can be exempt from paying the 
same by being answerable for all our expenses after leaving St. 
Ivouis, and still retain the ordinary priviledges as emigrants. That 
I should not m.ake my election whether to be answerable for the 
said expence or pay in the 20$ until the last moment. That the 
foundation of the division of profits would be 8 parts to myself 
for leading and furnishing the required capital, 2 parts to the 
surgeon 40 parts to be diveded among the men, contract to last 
5 years. That your draft had been received and requested you 
to inform Leonard that the same had been drawn. That one 
suit of clothes will be requisite for you and this one suitable to 
appear as a gentleman in, a uniform dress will be provided for you. 
To keep all your surgical instruments but to buy no more, they 
are to be got in Balto. We go about the ist April next 
certainlv not later. 



14 CORRESPONDENCE: [71 

The above is a short sumrnar}^ of 1113" last letter to you this let- 
ter you have probably received before this time. I have to re- 
quest that you will continue your buisness to the last moment. 
I will notify you in season of our movement from this place, and 
as far as I can see this will be the ist March from here in a ves- 
sell to Balto. to which place a'ou can then transfer your person 
and baggage, all of which, not suitable to carry can be packed 
and left for a future conveyance b^- water. Your request in re- 
gard to the Centinel shall be attended to. Your request to ob- 
tain guarantee and commission from the Societ}^, I will also at- 
tend to under the limitations contained in my last. The specu- 
lations at the close of your letter are those of all who look at the 
map but neither your or m}" da3^s will see them verified, but our 
enterprise may laj' a foundation. Leonard has just left here and 
informs me that 3'our funds are in the hands of Charles and 
therefore he could not accept 3'our draft. This draft I will keep 
and return when I see 3'ou and please send me a similar one on 
Charles. 

X. J. W 
XIV. 
Charleston Dec 27th 1831 
Cap Dixie Wild (Boston) 

vSir 

In putting into writing the verbal 
proposition which I made you this morning, I do not wish to be 
understood that it is the only shape in which it would be accept- 
able, but only that this form is one that is readih' understood by 
the parties, and I should conceive that in this way each would 
sooner come to an understanding of the others views on the sub- 
ject. That those who furnish the vessell and articles of trade 
would better understand what they are to gain by such risk and 
trovtble, and that those so furnished would know at one view 
what they are to pay for the same. If this view meets your ap- 
probation you have only to sa}' for what per ct. you will enter 
into the requisite engagements. If any other form of compact 
suits yovi better, 3'ou will oblige by proposing the same. That a 
party is to proceed to the Country near the sources of the Colum- 
bia to De Fuca streights as ma}^ be decided, to leave here be- 
tween the ist March and ist April next, and from whence as 
soon as may be send home an account of the valuable articles 
which they have collected, and a schedule of such articles as are 
wanted for that trade, and for the substantial correctness of the ac- 
count of such collections of articles the agent of such Co. will be 
bound in the sum of 2000$ to be used as an indemnity' for loss 
occasioned b}" intentionalh' false information on the subject. 
That 3'OU are not bound to disburse an^' sum or money's for any 
purpose until information has l)een received of the collection of 
such quantity of articles as will according to ordinary- judgement 



72] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 15 

and under usual circumstances pay the cost and charges of a vo}'-- 
age out and home. 

That after such information has been received you are as soon 
as can be to fit out a vessell or vessells such as are required, one 
certainly and more if 3^ou deem proper, and put on board the 
same at 3^our cost such an invoice of articles as may be required by 
the agent of said Co. That interest at the rate of ten per cent on 
the cost of the vessell including insurance and repairs, and the 
actual disbursements of the voyage for men, provisions &c, cost 
of articles sent out and 8 per cent int. including insurance, shall 
be considered the cost of the voyage and that you are to agree to 
furnish as above and for your profit in the buisness are to have 
— per cent and that this agreement is to last as long as the party 
continue together under their first contract viz 5 years, or until 
they dissolve the contract by unanimous vote of said party, which 
shall in no case be done with a view to evade this agreement, but 
will remain in force against me personally so long as I shall con- 
tinue in an}'- way engaged in that trade, until the expiration of 
the said 5 years. 

If you or your friends wish to make any enquiries concerning 
me I beg leave to refer 3^ou and them to Mr David Devan of this 
place who knows more of my buisness character than any other 
person. 

I am &c. N. J. W. 

XV. 

Cambridge Jan^' 3d 1832 
Brother Charles (Baltimore) 

Your favour of the 17th ulto. is at 
hand. I write in haste to request you to place the note of 888 
25-100 against Morton Brown & Co in the hands of Judah Touro 
Esq. of New Orleans and at my disposal. If the note is good 
some goods can be purchased there as well as elsewhere for our 
buisness please advise him to look to me for instructions on the 
subject. Please make what exertion you can to procure the to- 
bacco man, more than one if convenient and they are suitable 
men. I shall leave here about the ist March for your place by 
vessell and shall see you there and thank you personally for 3^our 
kindness in thus assisting me in my projects. I shall endeavour 
that you do not suffer by it. Jacob some time since gave me an 
order for 600$ on Leonard this order being improper^ drawn on 
ly I have written Jacob to exchange for one on you This I had 
done with a view to preventing him from spending it on his outfits 
for which purpose now nothing is necessary'. This sum I shall 
not draw from 3'ou in any case further than the small amt. requ.i- 
site for J outfits, but wish to know if in case of unexpected need 
of money at St. Louis for indispensible articles and the want of 
which I cannot provide against or obtain in any other way if I 



i6 CORRESPONDENCE: [73 

can draw it from you any need of so doing I shall avoid if there 
is any power in me to do so but it is possible that I may so far 
miscalculate as to be under the necessity of a little more money 
than I may happen to have left at that place. Please answer this 
question in your next. With this last assurance and with the note 
and what L. will do and my own cash I shall make out to do. 
x\s it regards vessells and goods to be sent me I apprehend I have 
made an arrangement that will provide for all this of this I am 
not certain but the negotiation has proceeded so far that I think 
it will be closed and on quite as good terms as I could expect. The 
other particulars of your letter I have not time to answer but will 
talk over matters when I see 3'ou on my journey out. Jacob is 
not yet married and in his recent letters to me he has not men- 
tioned the subject and I hope he will go without for the reasons 
you name. I hope your children are now recovered. Give your 
wife my respects and remind little Charles and Nathaniel of their 
Uncle Nathaniel 

Aifcty Yr Bro Nath. J. Wyeth 

XVI. 

Cambridge Jany 3d 1832 
Solomon K. Liver more Esq 

(Milford New Hampshire) 
Dear Sir I have an unexpected visit from your son who has 
left his school of which I suppose he has apprised 3^ou. He seems 
to me to have arrived to that time of life at which a 5^oung man 
should have chosen some buisness to meet the wants of existence, 
and done something to fit himself for it. In this line he appears 
to have done nothing effectual, and he to me seems mortified at 
the fact. The pride which produces this feeling is laudable and 
denotes at bottom a well toned mind, and it will certainly even- 
tuate in something either for his weal or for woe. To humour 
and direct rather than repress this feeling it appears to me is 
the best policy. He talks of the sea and other things, but has no 
settled determination except to do something. This determina- 
tion ought to be indulged. He wishes to join our expedition to 
the Country west of the Rocky Mountains and I think that it 
would be well for him to do so, his share of the profits will be 
large: ^ of an equal division. He can there spend nothing, all 
that his division comes to will be in his hands when he comes 
home, and judging from the course of that trade heretofore it 
would be no small sum. The countr}' is entirely healthy, the 
Indians mild in their natures, and entireh' peacible. \'es- 
sells are to be in our employ to run between this place and that, 
to insure the rec^uirements of trade, of life and means of return- 
ing if requisite. The contract will give me 8 parts for taking- 
charge of the buisness and furnishing capital, the surgeon will 
have two parts the residue of 50 persons will have 40 parts to di- 



74] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 17 

vide among them contract to last 5 years. I think his turn of 
mind quite suitable to this buisness and I should be glad to have 
him to go with me, and will endeavour to do well by him. I shall 
give him no encouragement to go on this or any other scheme 
without your consent, but think you would do well to give 
it. He will return home in a few days. 

Excuse the liberty I have taken in thus intruding my ideas up- 
on you but the similarity of his scituation to my own at about 
his time of life induces me to speak freely in regard to him and 
to sa}^ what he cannot as well say for himself. 

Be pleased to give my respects and love to all your famity and 
be assured I remain Yr Af. Nephew 

N. J. W. 

P. S. His equipment and expences as far as St. Louis are 
paid by himself in all 50$ this if you determine to let him go you 
can give him or I will furnish him with it and take it from his 
share of the profits. We are to leave about the ist March. 

XVII. 

Cambridge Jany 6th 1832 
Hon. E. Everett (Washington) 

Dear Sir Your favour of 24 ulto. has been received. From what 
I can learn Genl. Cass is of the right stamp of character to make ap- 
plication to in this matter, but I cannot spare time for a personal 
interview, being very much engaged in preparation for moving 
which I intend to do by the ist March. If the matter could be 
opened to Genl. Cass and his views in some measure ascertained 
to be favorable I would come to 3^our city and finish the buisness 
during the time that it would require for my men to march from 
Balto. to Pitsburg. I cannot think of delaying my movements 
for an object for which I ask no other compensation than the 
honor of conveying to the Govt, information v\^hich will soon be 
of great value to them. I will request you if consistent with 
your view of the case to broach the matter to either of the De- 
partments as 5^ou deem most suitable and then to advise me 
whether it is w^orth my while to come to your city in my way 
out to Pitsburg. 

I believe that it is not lawful for armed bodies of men to pass 
through the Country. I would beg leave to enquire of you whether 
an}- permission is required to be had for so doing and if so to ob- 
tain the same for me, and also what sort of licence or permission 
if any is requisite for trading with the Indians beyond the Rocky 
Mountains. 

I herewith enclose a petition which was handed me by Mr. 
Kelley and signed by some of those who propose to go with me 
in this enterprise. We have no connection with Mr. Kelle3-s 
enterprise further than accident and circumstances ma^'- indicate, 
and only wish that something should be clone as an inducement for 



i8 CORRESPONDENCE: [75 

Americans gcucmlly to go out to that Country in order to form 
a preponderating interest there to counteract that of the British 
already estabUshed. Govt, would poorly serve our interests in 
granting to the Oregon Society an^^ exclusive priviledges 
there. Nothing on our part is desirable excepting aid to get 
men out there and the enacting of some lavrs for their regulation 
when there and then leave us to ourselves. I should be sorry if 
•these petitions should have any other effect than to call the atten- 
tion of Congress to the subject in such manner as to induce them to 
act as their wisdom may dictate, in aiding good men to form a set- 
tlement in that region and to assume the government of the Col- 
ony when there, and not as the petition may possibly be con- 
strued to mean to throw the trade or government of the Country 
into the hands of this or any other society, neither is it our inten- 
tion to follow our trade in connection or under the patronage of 
that Society. I wish 3'ou to understand that it is at your option 
to present this petition or not. If you conceive that it will for- 
ward our interests as above explained, present it, if it is to serve the 
purpose of throwing the controul and trade of that Country' into 
the hands of a society, whose buisness should be to aid men in 
getting there, and then leave them to form their own mode of 
society, withhold it. 

I have to thank you for 3'our kindness in regard to the treat- 
ies, and ask 3'ou to excuse the liberties I take in thus troubling you. 

I am &c &c N. J, W. 

XVIII. 

Cambridge, Jany 11 1S32 
Brother Leonard 

(N. York) 

Not having heard from you since you 
were here I have been fearfull you had writen and the letter 
miscarried. If this is the case please send me a duplicate as I am in 
want of the names of the persons whose address you proposed to 
get for me at St. Louis. This is a matter that demands immedi- 
ate attention. Since you were here I have had letters from 
Charles. What he can do with what }'Ou proposed will answer 
my purpose. Please, let me know definiteh' and as soon as pos- 
sible what and when you can do. Upon further investigation I 
find that there will be no dificulty as regards vessells, as they 
always leave that coast but partly filled, consequently remittan- 
ces to meet the exigences of the buisness may be made in them 
at reasonable rates, beside which I have nearly closed with one, 
already in the trade, who will send out vessell and goods as soon 
as I leave here and to arrive there about the time that I may 
be expected. 

&c N. J, W. 



76] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 19 

XIX. 

Cambridge Jany i6th 1S32 
Brother Leonard (N York) 

Yours of the loth inst. is at hand. 
The sums which you mention may be available to me in some 
shape and if so the}^ will be used of which due notice will be giv- 
en you. The draft of the furnace altho common I should like to 
have if convenient as it will be as good in any other and I have 
no small one. It can be sent to me in care of Chas. in Baltimore. 
You have done well to say nothing to Mr. Osgood as he could not 
do enough to help me, and one great credit is easier gotten than 
twenty small ones. 

Give my thanks to Mr. Osgood for his kindness in regard to 
the letter but inform him that it will not be used unless the pres- 
ent negotiation fails and I do not wish to broach the m.atter to 
any but those who are to be eventualy concerned if possible to 
avoid it. 

The object which I propose to accomplish through an acquaint- 
ance at St. lyouis is to have my drafts cashed on Judah Touro a 
person vvell known in that section of country and residing at 
N. Orleans in whose hands I shall place funds and obtain a letter 
of credit for the amount from him to them. I have money at N. 
Orleans of my own and some which Chas. has lent me, which I 
may or ma3^ not use as circumstances may indicate. The drafts 
may be at sight and the money is wanted to purchase goods for 
the Indian trade. Letters of introduction to as many different 
people as possible are desirable in order to get information con- 
cerning Indian trade and other matters connected with the pur- 
suit of it. I am happy to hear that your loss is all insured I pre- 
sume you mean with the exception of what you might have made 
from them and the loss you sustained b}^ not having them, which 
is or is not a loss as the case may be. 

This day received a request by letter from Mr. C. your partner 
to join the expedition. I presume he means if indeed he 
mea7is anything as a partner. As this cannot be, I shall 
after considering the matter wdth due attention answer in the 
disuasive. Lie must be very ignorant of his capabilities. As no 
one knows the extent of his ignorance of himself all we have to 
do is to pray that ive are not in the same darkness of which we 
accuse others. Be so good if the fact was not known to you be- 
fore as to keep it to yourself to save appearances both for him and 
m.e as I do not wish to be an informer on the actions of any one 
however much I may think that he needs a guardian. 

Y &c N. J. W 



20 CORRESrONDENCE: [77 

XX. 

Cambridge Jany iSth 1832 
Mr The. Bache 

(N York) Dear Sir 

Your favour of 14th inst is at 
hand I think you have done v^-ell to remain where you are 
until you set out to meet us at Balto. I have no idea of Avhom the 
person could have been who called on Mr. S. Swartnoute. It 
could hardly have been any one who had a knowledge of our en- 
terprise but must have been some one desirous of joining the em- 
igration to the same country under the auspices of the Society 
formed in Boston for that purpose and with whom I do not pro- 
pose any connection. As you wish to shew this letter I shall 
omit answering in it some parts of yours. The subjects to which 
I allude are satisfactorily to me at least settled. According to 
request I shall detail the plan of the expedition and also the pro- 
portion of profits which will accrue to each person engaged in the 
enterprise. We are to cross the Continent to the shores of the 
Pacific between 42 and 49 degrees N. Latt. and engage in the Fur 
buisness. Vessells will ply from Boston or N. York to supply us 
with articles of trade and bring home or carr}^ elsewhere v/hat 
articles are collected, and by means of posts established there save 
the great delay of vessells on that coast which in the present 
mode of conducting the buisness amounts frequently to 30 months 
and will average two years. This item alone would with the 
ordinary profit of the trade give all the success which w^e look 
for beside the great advantage which residents there have over 
those who can be there but about once in 4 years for the collection 
of furs and other articles of value. As to our route across the con- 
tinent I can only say that we shall be governed by circumstances 
On the spot my general idea is that our course will [be] from this 
place to Baltimore by vessell thence l)y land to Pitsburg thence 
down to the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and 
up the latter river to Franklin from that place strike for the Platte 
River and follow the same to its .source in the Rocky ^Mountains, 
near which is the southern pass b}' which we shall make the tran- 
sit of the mounts which done we strike for Lewis River or the 
Multnomah w-hich we follow to their junction with the Colum- 
bia which we follow to the sea and locate our posts on this river 
or near De Fucas Streights as may then be deemed proper. Our 
compact is to last 5 3^ears. The profits are to be divided in 
such manner that if the number concerned was 50 and the 
whole nett profits were divided into that number of parts, I 
should get 8 the surgeon 2 and the remaining 40 parts would be 
divided among the remaining 48 persons. The 8 parts which I 
take is con.sideration for my services as head of the concern and 
furnishing the requisite capital and credit for the buisness and 



78] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 21 

which is to be invested in goods to a small amount to take with 
us by land, camp equipage, w^agons, horses, &c, and in vessells 
and goods to be sent out to us so as to arrive there within a few 
months ^fter us. Each man will be required to furnish his own 
equipments and pa^^ his passage as far as Franklin in Missouri 
which will amount to 40$ and the surplus to be paid for him from 
the capital if it amts. to more. In case any very good men apply 
to you you can engage them on these terms especially Coopers, 
Blacksmiths, Founders, and ingenious persons of any trade but 
having nothing to do with any persons who are not industrious 
and temperate men and of good constitutions and peacible dis- 
positions, and in case 5^ou engage any their equipments will be 
brough[t] on with me to Balto, where they can meet us at the 
same time as yourself by equipments I mean arms and clothing 
They may therefore come as scantih' provided for clothes as pos- 
sible wnth the exception of a great coat which should be ample in 
order to sleep in it. We may be expected to arrive in Balto. by 
the loth March but when I leave Boston I will advise you more 
particularly In the mean time please write and give me an}^ par- 
ticulars which may transpire. 

I remain &c N. J. W. 

XXI. 

Cambridge Jany iStli 1832 
Broth. Jacob 

Your favor of 6th inst. is at hand enc[l]osing a 
draft on C. Wyeth for $600. Of this sum so much will be spent 
as is requisite for surgical instruments, medicines, your own 
equipments and cloths and travelling expences as far as St. 
I^ouis. The residue will be left in Charles hands at interest and 
for your benefit or if used by me int. at 6 per ct will be paid 
3'ou. Your 2 shares are for your professional services and also 
for all other services which you ma^^ render the Co. in any shape 
for you will be required to do all and ever^^thing for the common 
benefit. If you persist in returning befor[e] the 5 years expire 
there will be ample opportunit3^ by means of our vessells but you 
will loose your share of profits during the time that 3'ou are ab- 
sent from dutv 

Ys. &c N. J. W. 

XXII. 

Cambridge Jany 23d 1832 
Capt Dixie Wildes 

(Boston) 
Dear Sir Having examined your proposition I have satisfied 
myself that to enter into an arrangement on these terms would be 
to ruin myself and inj ure every one concerned in the undertaking 
and to deprive you of that eventual profit to which you should 
look as the reward for engaging in the undertaking and incurring 



22 CORRESPONDENCR: [79 

its risques. In regard to risks I have to sa}' that all you in- 
cur is merely the risk that the goods which you send out to me 
to be used on a particular part of the coast may be unsuitable 
for the gejieral trade of the Coast. So far as this is likely to 
happen you run some risk, but this is the only risk you incur 
as all the other risques are insured against at our cost. Even if 
we should never arrive on that coast your vessell would have the 
same chance of making a good voyage that she would have if ex- 
presslv fitted out for a N. W. Coast vo^^age with the exception of 
the risk above stated which as 3^ou have the selection of the 
cargo need not be great. 

With regard to the items of proposition I have to say that it is 
not m^^ wish to assume specific sums as the cost of the voyage 
and then cast you[r] per centage on them. For instance you as- 
sume that the vessell will cost Sooo$. Now altho. this is 
about what a vessell of 160 Tonn might cost A^et it is probably 
not the exact sum. Insurance at 4 per cent may or may not be 
the exact sum paid and 18 months will not be the exact length 
of the voyage and thus of all the other items. My intention was 
to propose to you to find vessell and cargo and to agree upon a 
certain per cent upon their actual cost as your profits in the buis- 
ness. And as far as goods and cost of sailing are concerned in- 
cluding insurance and interest at the legal rate there would be no 
dificulty but for the vessell some other arrangement must be made. 
I would propose that a certain per cent on her (^f/?^,^/ cost be agreed 
upon and the amt. of this per ct. be considered as the cost of 
her use or charter and on this sum your per centage of profit 
cast, and making the per ct. on her cost sufficiently great to 
cover insurance wear &c. In short my object is to arrive at the 
actual cost of everything and paj- a certain per cent of profit on 
it to those who will furnish me with the accommodations which I 
am in need of to carry on this buisness. There is a natural impos- 
sibility in my complying with the terms of your proposition, you 
ask at least 12000$ profit for the first voyage which is in itself as . 
much nett profit as the best voyages have given when no larger 
an amount of capital was used. In your recent voyage 2 vessells 
and 1 2000$ worth of available goods and 2 Vi years time was 
consumed and about 18000$ made whether including int. and 
insurance or not I do not know but supposing that that amt. 
was including these items there would have been not a dollar re- 
maining after paj-ing a^ou 50 per cent on 18 mos. The ex- 
pences of the voyage were about 18000$ as I understood you and 
would have been 20000$ had 3'ou not bought your vessells when 
they were low and sold them when they were high if you had 
had 50 per cent on the disbursements of that vo^'age for iS mos 
and in proportion for the extra time it would have amounted to 
16000$ and more. 



So] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 23 

You have estimated that the product of our first voyage would 
be 40000$. This would be more than I think would be be real- 
ized but allowing that this sum should be realized from the 
4000$ worth of goods which I shall take with me. The arming 
andequiping of 28 men and their time and the disbursements con- 
tained in 3^our proposition and your 50 per ct. Let us cast all 
these up and see what each one would get. In doing this we 
will take first those items which must be paid in any event viz. 

The estimates of your proposition and 50 per ct 29885$ 

Disbursements b}^ myself 4000 

Int. on same 18 months 360 

Arms and traveling expenses out for 28 men a 75$ 2100 

Wages for men a 5$ per month 2520 

Which deduct from 40000$ $38865 

There remains profit to us 1 1 35 

To be divided among 28 persons which would leave me who 
have 16 pr ct of the nett profits about 200$ for 18 months. 

In your first proposition your estimates of the disbursements of 
the voyage were about the same, and of the product about the 
same and according to that the profit would have been 20000$ on 
which 3^ou asked 25 per cent as 3'our profit this would be 5000$. 
In this you ask almost 10000$. 

It is undoubtedly the interest of both parties to give the other 
a good chance. If you have all the profits, I should ver}- 
soon be unwilling or unable to carry on the buisness. If I should 
get more than my due proportion you would not continue the 
buisness and whether the one or the other happened both parties 
would be the loosers b^- it in as much as the buisness must be 
discontinued whereas if the profit should be more equalh^ divided 
the buisness would be carried on for a long time to a mutual ad- 
vantage. I think that you would do well to consider that in 
case the buisness is good to all concerned it may be extended to 
almost an}^ amount and your profits 5 years hence may possi- 
bly be cast on 20oooo$[?] yearly. To the great increase of the 
buisness I think that you may fairly look for your increased prof- 
its. I do not think that in employing only one vessell you could 
make as much as in the ordinary course of the trade but in the 
common method it is dificult to extend with advantage in this 
wa3^ an unlimited extension of the buisness may be safely 
attempted. 

I am in hopes that you will alter your proposition as it is abso- 
lutely impossible for me to accept this. It would be far better 
for me to go out without any arrangement. I could in that case 
in one year gain the required experience, and product of the 
goods which I carried out would if shipped home as well might be 
done in almost an}- of the vessells which go there, for they return 



24 CORRESPONDRNCR: [8r 

but partly filled, produce the requisite capital. At the end of the 
first voyage I should have collected here all the capital v/hich I 
should want and should have gained all the requisite experience 
for directing it. You cannot but see how much better this would 
be for us than to make an arrangement on your terms which would 
bind us during the whole 5 years to pay for the capital and ex- 
perience which we only want for the first voyage almost the 
whole of all the profits we could make even in case of the great- 
est success. 

I am however very desirous of coming to an agreement with 
some one previous to going out and think that I shall be able to 
do it on terms which will offer a fair chance to all concerned. I 
am particularly desirous of making it with some one already in 
the trade. I beg that you will reconsider this ground carefully 
and soon for the time grows short with me and I do not wish to 
apply to any other persons until all hope of an arrangement with 
3'ou is at an end. 

Wednesdav or Thursdav next I will call and see you. 

Respy &c N. J. \V. 

XXIII. 

Cambridge Jany 23d 1S32 
Brother Charles (Baltimore) 

Your favour of the i6th inst. is at hand. 
I note what you say of the note of Morton and Co. nevertheless 
please forward it as at first proposed. Most of my goods must be 
purchased at St. Louis, which is the great mart of the Indian 
trade at which I can not only get what articles are wanted but 
the knowledge requisite for selecting them and there I shall 
make all my purchases with the exception of a little Iron and 
Steel which will be got at N. Orleans and the residue of this and 
other moncA' I shall draw for from vSt Louis. 

If you cannot get a tobacco man please put me up some to- 
bacco seed sufficient for a considerable crop and have it v^'ell dried 
and soldered up in tin cans. Would it not be well to advertise in 
some country papers for a man stating generally that he is wanted 
for a foreign voyage. In this matter do as you think best. 

As it regards Jacobs affair it is only requisite that I bring on 
with me an order from father to pay the l^allance of account to 
me, and I will then take what I have expended for Jacob sa^- 
100$, and leave the residue in 3'our hands subject to my draft in 
case of accident as proposed in my last or to remain as the case 
may be. The draft as you say can be examined when I am there. 

I am well aware of what you say in respect to the number of 
men I think however there is no danger of being troubled 
with too many. All the other matters contained in 3^our 
letter either will or have been attended to. Please in your next 
write me the names of some of the best mercantile house[s] at St. 



82] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 25 

lyouis and if possible procure me letters to them these letters 
keep but the names send me as soon as possible. 

The reveries at the end of your letter are proof that you 
let that liar and thief "hope" cheat your better senses with idle 
dreams, the sober truth of life is that man was made to mourn to 
fight and die at last disapointed and broken hearted 
Yr. Aff. Bro. N. J. Wyeth 

XXIV. 

Cambridge Jany 23d 1832 
S. K. Livermore Esq. (Milford N. H.) ' 
Dear Sir 

Your letter of the 20th inst is before me. I beg 3-ou 
to believe that I have used no means to induce Thomas to eno-ao-e 
in this undertaking with the exception of the letter which^^I 
wrote you on the subject and which I read to him. He heard of 
the expedition elsewhere and came to me for information. I 
should conceive it very dishonorable in me to interfere in his 
plans of life otherwise than through his natural guardians. I 
have in this instance rather held forth to his view the dificulties 
of the enterprise than its inducements. I shair not even now 
write him on the subject being content to leave the matter to you 
and him. If he goes he should be here by the 20th Feb. He 
wants nothing to bring, with him but one good suit of cloths 
which are decent to appear in in the' cities through which we 
pass. The company dress will be made her[e] as also his arms and 
equipments. No chest is. necessary as our baggage wagon will 
answer that purpose as far as to Franklin, where we take horses 
and then bags must be used. As few articles of baggage will be 
carried with us as possible their transportation costs more than 
their value and they can be purchased an}^ time beifore leaving 
the settlements at one of the last of which St. Louis our final 
arrangements will be made.. The bugle of which I spoke to him 
should be of the plainest kind and the most simple to use and the 
least liable to get out of repair or broken. It will be used chiefly 
as a signal for parties at a distance, and sometimes in marching a 
little music will .enliven us. We propose that one should learn it 
well and then teach all the rest. We shall have as much as ten 
and to be used alternately so as not to be tedious to any one. I 
am ut[t]erly ignorant of; all kinds and uses of music but have 
thought that w^e could march by a number of bugles but if we 
cannot they will at least do for signals which is in fact their only 
es[s]ential use. If Thomas will make himself master of the bugle 
and determines to go please write immediately on the .receipt of 
this, as in case that herdoes not I must engage some other person 
to do it. Jn addiU-On; to . w-hat . I stated to you in my last I will 
only observe that in case the undertaking should prove unsuc- 
cesfull it would be abandoned bv mutual consent in a much 



26 CORRRSPONDRNCR: [83 

shorter period than 5 years and in this case Thomas would 
come home having a good knowledge of the hardships of life and 
consequently more willing to put up with its unavoidable priva- 
tions and disappointments than he now is, and I question v/heth- 
er it would not be as profitable knowledge as he could acquire, 
for as 3'ou say, "there is plenty of buisneas here for which he is 
suitable' ' if he can only bring down his mind to its dull routine. 
But I should be sorry to have him go against the inclinations of 
his parents not to say their positive disapprobation in which lat- 
[t]ercase he certainly should not go with me. In case he should 
go I will compty with your desire in regard to religion. It is a 
subject which in a peculiar sense rests with each one and his ma- 
ker, and if I have sometimes agitated the subject with you, it has 
been more to test and correct if possible m^^ own views of the 
matter, than any hope of proselitism for which I am not desirovis. 
I beg to be remembered to 5^our good lady and children and 
wish them all kinds of happiness. 

Yr Aff. Neph. X. J. Wyeth 

XXV. 

Cambridge Jany. 27th 1832 
Mr. I. P. Hughs 

vSir Your letter of 19th inst. is at hand. As 
to dificulties in the undertaking each man must judge for 
himself and also what his prospect of gain. What my own opinion is 
on the subject may be judged of by my giving up for it a salary of 
1200 per year and a buisness that brought me as much more. My 
own opinion of this thing must be good or I am an arrant fool. 
To say more on this head would be useless. Examine for 3'our- 
self, look about in Boston and see how many independent fortunes 
have been made in this buisness. As to giving 3^ou ever}^ partic- 
ular of this buisness it is quite impossible. Two days would not 
suffice to v.Tite such a letter. The outlines I have given 3'ou. As 
to Capital as much will be invested as I deem requisite and no 
more and what is invested will be in outfits say 4000$, these we 
will take with us across the land, then a vessell to leave here and 
arrive there near the time that we do Cost of sailing there and 
back 5000$, goods sent out by her f;Sooo these amts. are the 
smallest sums that will be invested. And I shall increase them 
as I think proper in the course of buisness. The conditions of 
my furnishing this and all capital which I deem requisite are my 
receiving 16 per cent of the nett profits. The surgeon will have 4 
per cent and each person will have 1 34; per cent or nearly these 
different shares make 102 per cent and as there can be but 
100 the 2 per ct will come out of the 4S shares which amts. to 
less than 1-50 of i per cent deduction from each mans share. The 
amt. of all is that each man gets as near as possible of 8-10 of a 
full and equal division of the profits and the other 2-10 go to pay 



34] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 27 

me for my services as head of the Co. and to furnish Capital 
and Surgeon. I am to be sole director of the movements of the 
Co. and its agent in all transactions of buisness. I will come un- 
der no bonds to the Co. Conceiving that the fact of my carrying 
out with us 4000$ is bond enough because if I do not send the 
rest this would be all lost. The reason of the case will shew that 
if a bond is necessary anywhere it is from the men to me, that 
they shall not after my property is invested in this thing desert 
me which would occasion a sacrifice of all I am worth but I ask 
no other than that of expending in the buisness 40$ which they 
will loose if they do not pursue the plan. I think you said that 
T. A. Livermore mentioned this thing to you. His father writes 
me that he may go and the young man is determined to go and is 
learning the bugle. I hope that this will also be your determina- 
tion. 

Yr Obt Servt N. J. W. 

XXVI. 

Cambridge Jany 28th 1S32 
Mr. Geo. Cripps (New York) 

Dear Sir Your fav. of the 12th 
inst was received in due course of mail. The receipt should have 
been acknowledged before but the pressure of buisness and the 
want of a little time to think the matter over induced me to wait. 
I should be extremel}^ happy to have you join us if it were onlv 
for the benefit of your society--, for in an expedition of this sort 
most of the persons must be not of the same class with ourselves 
the society therefore of even a very few well informed persons is an 
object. You are undoubtedly as fit for the enterprise as most 
men but do you wish to place yourself upon a par with such men 
as must form the bulk of our band? It appears to me that it 
would be unwise in 3'ou but in this judge for yourself. I can 
offer you no better terms than the rest have viz 8-10 parts of a 
full and equal division of profits. We leave here about ist 
March next for Baltimore. I refer you to your partner for 
further information on this subject. 

And Remain &c N. J. W. 
XXVII. 

Cambridge Jan}^ 28th 1832 
Brother Leonard, (New York) 

Your favour of the 24th inst. is at 
hand. The arrangements which you have made as to letters are 
well. The goods you name are used in Indian trade but whether 
on that part of the coast to which we go is the question. All In- 
dian marketts are not the same any more than other marketts. 
Traps, guns, and amunition are all the articles which I should at 
present meddle with. I wish you would ascertain if Beaver traps 



28 " ' CORRESPONDENCE: [85 

can be had in your city. Those ^ranted should weigh 5 lbs. 
double springs, Jaws without teeth and chain 6 feet long with 
two swivells in it. Of these I want about 40 Doz. If 3"OU can 
find the article please write me as soon as possible. Also find 
if you can get the kind of gun used b}^ the Amer. Fur Co. and 
at what price. There is also a certain kind of beads which 
is a kind of a cur[r]enc3^ among the Indians and therefore an 
article in demand among all Indians. Please write me what 3'ou 
could do in all these articles. I can then tell better whether I 
will purchase in your place. My cash at N. Orleans I can trans- 
fer to this place at any moment through Mr. F. T. who is paying 
freights there all this spring. 

I have not yet closed with any person for vessells a nd 
goods but have raked up security enough with what you 
named to charter a vessell on as fair terms as could be 
done for cash. Have at command 4000$ in cash and have remain- 
ing from 2 or 3 M of security to give to those who will credit me 
for the goods w^hich I want to send out by her. Amt. from 5 to 
8000$. I think I could pay on account of goods to send by this 
vessell 1000$ down, and 2000$ security of one good name beside 
mine and to be paid in default at the end of the voyage sa}^ 14 
mos. Would your firm for a certain per cent profit over and above 
their cost furnish this amt. Your partner being in England would 
furnish great facilities in procuring the goods. If I can get this 
done by competent persons my difficulties would be much dimin- 
ished, and I shall save giving awa}' during the whole 5 3'ears 25 
per cent of profits to pay for assistance which I only want during 
one voyage. I shall work hard before I will give up so much. 
Is there no person in N. York who would do this if you cannot. 
I have some hope of getting it done here but have no certain offer 
better than the 25 per cent as above. Write me as often as 3'ou 
can 

Yr. Aft". Bro. N. J. W. 

XXVIII. 

Cambridge Jany 27th 1S32 
Bro. Charles (Baltimore) 

Since my last of 23d inst. I have been buisy 
trying to make arrangements with soma men already in the 
N. W. trade for such vessells and goods as I shall want in 
the course of this buisness. The best offer is 25 per ct of 
profits to be paid them on my whole buisness for five years. Now 
if successfull in this buisness I should want neither information or 
capital at the end of the first voyage and even in furnishing me 
the first voyage they run no risque because if I never arrive there 
they have only to continue the voyage as an ordinary N. W. 
Coast voyage with just as good chance of profit as if expressly 
fitted out for that purpose. Cinder these circumstances I cannot 



<S6] WYETH'vS OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 29 

think of committing myself in such an arrangement if there is 
any possible way of avoiding it. Mr. Tudor agrees to assist me 
in a certain amt. If you would obligate yourself to pay 1000^ 
as an indemnity to those of whom I might take up a vesell to be 
paid in m^^ default at the expiration of the first voyage say 14 
months from the i July next I think there is a chance that I 
can procure vessell and goods to be sent out to me on m^^ own 
ace. and thus save loading my buisness with a nightmare. 
As all losses are to be insured against there will be no other risk 
in this matter than what appertains to me personally, of v^^hether 
I get there and whether I collect articles enough to pay for the 
goods and vessell. If I get there it must be a hard buisness if 
all my own property and the full amt. of the securities are 
sunk. If you agree to do this I understand that all the accom- 
modations that 3^ou have promised are to stand as settled. Please 
answer soon. 

Yr aff N. J. W. 

XXIX. 

Cambridge Jany 31st 1832 
Robt. H. Gardner Esq. 

Dear Sir Having in contemplation a 
voyage to the Columbia w^here salmon are abundant I am desi- 
rous of information in regard to them. None of these fish being 
taken in our waters I am at a loss where to apply for this informa- 
tion. Your scituation near where they are found induces me to 
apply to you and your uniform politeness toward me induces me to 
hope that 3^ouwnll convey what information ma^^ be in 3^our power 
or if not too inconvenient to collect what may not be within j^our 
own knowledge or indicate to me where I may obtain the same and 
of whom. What I wish to know is how salmon are pickled and 
how smoked and how taken. Any information on these heads 
will confer an obligation on 

Yr obt. servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth 
(Inserted ) How to keep and when the}'- go up and down the 



rivers. 



XXX. 



Cambridge Feb 5th 1832 
Mr. Se^^mour Whiting (New York) 

Dear Sir Your letter of 3[th ulto. 
came in due time to hand proposing certain inquiries concerning 
my expedition to the country claimed by the U. S. oij the Pacific 
Ocean, which I answer as follows. This Company go out for trade 
in such branches as may be found expedient the terms of agree- 
ment to last 5 3^ears and to be rendered a permanent settlement if 
found practicable and agreeable. No families or other helpless 
people will be taken until this question is decided, which will not 



30 CORRRSPONDHXCE: [87 

be until w[e] have been sometime there and can judge from a bet- 
ter knowledge of facts. Young, active and industrious men are 
wanted and any number will be received that will compty with 
the conditions of the association. The precise conditions are not 
fixed the proposition hasbeenthat the capital and myself shall draw 
8 parts in fift^' of the whole profits the surgeon 2 and the remain- 
ing 40 parts to be divided among 48 persons. This v;ill give 8-10 
parts of a full and equal division of profits to each man. This 
proposition supposes that I shall furnish a suitable outfit from St. 
Louis for crossing the country' and procure a vessell and cargo to 
go out to meet us on the coast and pay ail the expenses for the 
arming and equiping and transporting the compan}' to St. Louis 
which shall be incurred over and above 40$ There are here now 
23 men who have paid in their first assessment toward the 40$ as 
above, and there is no doubt of our going before the ist April, 
the I St March is however the time set for starting. Our camp 
equipage is now almost finished and our arms and equipments are 
partly in the armor\' and the residue contracted for to be de- 
livered 20th inst. We deem 25 men enough for the enterprise 
but are willing to extend the number to an^^ amt. 

What you say of Mr. Kelley I think will prove true. As 3'et 
he has no means of moving a step in the buisness and in my opin- 
ion never will move. For further particulars I beg leave to refer 
you to Mr. Leonard L Wyeth of the firm of Cripps and W^^-eth 
Pearl St. of your cit3^ What you may decide upon in the matter 
please make known to me as soon as possible, for the time is short. 

You will be required to pay into the treasury'- 20$ for your arms 
and equipments when you meet us on our way out at Baltimore. 
The arms &c will be brought with us. The remaining 20$ may 
be paid in when voted by the company prior to reaching St. Louis. 
• A 3 soon after you make known to me your acceptance of 
propositions, not differing materially from the above, as practi- 
cable notice will be sent you of the time of our moving, place of 
meetinp^ and other particulars. 

Yrs &c N. J. W. 

XXXI. 

Cambridge Feb 6th 1832 
S. K. Livermore Esq. (Milford N. H.) 

Dear Sir I have a letter 
from your son Thomas intimating that 3'ou wish to know what 
authority I have obtained from Government to trade in the coun- 
try about the Columbia. In answer to which it is to be observed 
that the Government has not extended its Laws over that 
country and claims over it onty a right of preemption. There 
can be no infraction of law where none exists, and beside which 
the right to trade there is inferred from the public acts of the 
Government, first in protecting by its public armed ships vessells 



88] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 31 

engaged in that trade. 2dly in the demanding the restora- 
tion of a trading post taken by the British during the last war. 
3dly by a stipulation of the convention between the U. S. and 
Great Britain that citizens of each shall have a right to trade in 
any country there claimed b}' either. That the Govt, would have 
a right to impose a licence to trade with the Indians there in the 
same manner as they have done in the Territories has never been 
assumed and I think will not be until territorial governments are 
erected by them there. I have written to the secretaries of War 
and State on this subject but have 3^et received no answer. 

Thomas mentions preferences and dificulties concerning the 
two kinds of bugles. These are matters I know absolutely no- 
thing of. You will oblige me by directing him which kind to 
get. Only keep in mind that the capability for using as march- 
ing music is subordinate to that of being used for signals, and 
that economy, durability and use are before shew and noise. 
Nevertheless good marching music has its use in keeping up the 
spirits of the company and exciting the attention of the natives 
objects by no means to be overlooked, but to be obtained if possi- 
ble without sacrificing the other. 

Please present my compliments to your family. 

I remain Yr. Aff. Neph N. J. W. 

XXXII. 

Camb. Feb 6th 
Mr. lyCon. Jarvis (Baltimore) 

Dear Sir Circumstances impel me 
to apply to you for assistance in my projected expedition. Hav- 
ing no claim for your favorable consideration on this subject and 
knowing you to be averse to the plan I have avoided making this 
request until the last moment, and to verj^ near the time when I 
must either close with very disadvantageous terms or commence a 
hazardous enterprise without adequate means. In the beginning 
of this thing I was induced to believe that certain persons here 
would furnish me the small amount of capital of which I was in 
want on decent terms but in this I find myself mistaken 
for after finding me fully committed to the buisness they have 
enhanced their demands, and think to use me for their adv^an- 
tage. This they shall never do. 

I am at present trying to make arrangements to fur- 
nish the whole outfits both by sea and land and have 
raised what I think will procure me the land outfits and 
a vessell and perhaps $1000 toward a cargo for her. The 
amount of goods requisite for this cargo is from 5 to 10000$ 
which if I had $3000 in cash or good security I believe I could 
get on good terms here. If you are disposed to assist me in any 
shape in this buisness I would beg leave to suggest the following 
as to me the most desirable and as giving to you some chance of 



32 CORRESPONDENCE: [S9 

profit as well as loss while at the same time you are conferring a 
great favour on me. It is this, that 3"OU furnish all the goods 
wanted by us during the 5 years of our present contract at a cer- 
tain per cent over and above their actual cost including interest 
and Insurance and to make sale of the product of our trade 
on a certain per cent commission to have on the first investment 
sent out 1000$ in cash from me as securit}' for the goods and an 
equal lien with the owners of the vessell on the goods sent home 
the said owners to be secured in the sum of 5000$ which must 
first be consumed before they have any claim on the return cargo 
and by contract to be debarred any claim on the outward 
cargo in any case. This, as a considerable amount of goods are 
carried out with me would put out of the question any very great 
loss. At the end of the first voyage if the buisness is found not 
to be practicable, it must be abandoned. If otherwise it will be 
continued and the proceeds of the buisness will be accumulated 
here to answer as security for the debts of the Co. 

This proposition I should not have made to you if Mr. Tudor 
had not offered me such assistance as would nearly enable me to 
keep clear of very hard terms, and having so nearh^ accomplished 
the object was a strong inducement to ask a thing from you to 
which I have not the slightest claim, and if the thing is disagree- 
able to you, I ask you to excuse the liberty I have taken. 

A strong inducement to this enterprise has been the peculiar 
state of the trade of the country in question. The American 
Govt, with ideas of reciprocit}^ in their head made a convention, 
which after having been once extended will terminate in 1S3S 
with G. B. by which the citizens of either power have a common 
right of trade in the whole territory claimed by both on that 
coast. I think this convention will not be renewed because it 
virLaally destroys our trade there by opening it to the competition of 
the British Co. whose capital and facilities are so great that vessells 
cannot trade to a profit on that coast they being subject to a long 
delay on the coast whereas the British trade is effected by posts 
and their vessells have nothing to do but to discharge and re-load. 
If at the expiration of this convention it should not be renewed 
and I do not think that it can be some part of that coast will be 
an unencumbered field to whoever ma^' then be there, because in 
the mean time the present American trade in vessells will disap- 
pear before the more economical methods of the British and mine 
so far as that has any effect. And I do not think that any other 
person will think of establishing posts in that country- if I succeed 
in so doing. Of the goodness of this trade if I can get it free 
from other competition than that of vessells there can be no doubt 
and I think I may do well in it even under present circum-Stan- 
ces. Another inducement with [me] has been the being obliged 
to leave one half of my buisness and the insufficiency of the other 
to secure me employment more than half of the year, or give me 



go] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 



33 



the amt. of income which at this time of Hfe I ought to be get- 
ting. Altho I am well aw^are that you do not approve of the di- 
rection my mind has taken yet your conversation with me at 
New York convinces me that you think I should make a move of 
some kind. Now in the kind of move which I have taken I have 
been guided I think by a sound judgement in regard to my capa- 
bilities whether experience will justify this judgement remains to 
be proved but in the mean time I cannot divest myself of the 
opinion that I shall compete better with mA^ fellow men in new 
and untried paths than in those to pursue which requires only 
patience and attention. You have accused me of want of pa- 
tience and the world will readily believe you but I think both 
you and them blend the want of patience and the want or per- 
severance in one idea whereas I believe them to be quite separate 
and not at all incompatible. In raising means I beg you to be- 
lieve that I have not availed myself of my position in the family to 
borrow money or credit of those who it is a duty in me to keep 
from risque of damage or of any person who is not in a scituation 
to judge for himself of the danger and to sustain the damage that 
may accrue and that no extremity will tempt me to do so. I 
mention this to put your mind at ease on a subject upon which 
you might naturally feel solicitude. I will conclude this letter by 
asking of you as a favour that you w^ill answer it as soon as pos- 
sible as mA' time is very short. 

I am &c X. J. W. 

XXXIII. 

Cambridge Feb 8th 1832 
Mess A. Norris & Co 

Gent Will you have the goodness to ascer- 
tain if Traps suitable for the N. West trade can be purchased in 
your city and if so at what price. They should weigh 5 lbs 
each have double springs Jaws without teeth with a chain 6 
feet long having two swivells in it. Of these I w^ant about 20 doz. 
If you will attend immediately to this buisness you will oblige 
me as they are wanted to start almost immediately on their 
destination. 

(P. S. Please direct me at this place) Yr Obt Sevt N. J. W. 

XXXIV. 

Cambridge Feb 7th 1S32 
Judah Touro (N Orleans) 

Dear Sir Some time since I directed 
Mr. Charles W^^eth of Baltimore to place in your hands a note a- 
gainst Morton Brown & Co. for 888.25. Will a^ou please get it dis- 
counted without recourse to the original endorser and after taking 
out your commissions transmit the proceeds to Baltimore to ray 
direction to the care of Mess Wyeth and Norris in a U. S. 



34 CORRESPONDENCR: [91 

Bank check on vSt. lyouis or Baltimore. Vou are authorized to 
pay as high as ten per cent for discounting this note, but please 
present it to the giver in the first place. The reason of getting 
this note cashed at so high a rate is not want of faith in it, but 
an immediate want of monev on mv part. 

X. J. W. 

XXXV. 

Cambridge Feb 7th 1832 
Rol~)t. H. (lardner Esq 

Dear Sir Your ven,'' polite and useful fa- 
vour of 4th inst. came duly to hand. As I have carefully 
examined the mode of taking all the fish caught in your rivers 
with the exception of salmon the modes described by you were 
readily iniderstood and are every thing I wished on the subject. 
It is impossible for me to visit your vicinity at this time. Mr. 
Tudor's ice must be shipped and that done I must leave imme- 
diately. 

In asking you to ascertain from Mr. Palmer the modes of 
curing salmon, I fear to trespass on good nature and nothing but 
my inability- to get the information elsewhere induces me to trou- 
ble one whose time I know to be so much occupied. If you will 
admit this as an excuse I will ask the favour. 

The kind wish expressed at the end of your letter I value 
much, iti as much as it is highly creditable to have the wishes of 
the good in ones favour. The older writers affirm that such 
prayers avail much and this supposition is so consonant to human 
feelings that I am not disposed to doubt it. Will you accept my 
thanks for your good wishes and assistance in this matter. 
Should you have buisness in any part of the world where I am 
I should esteem it a favor to be able to make a return for these 
favours. I am &c X J W 

XXXVI. 

Cambridge Feb 8th 1832 
Brother Charles 

Your letter in answer to mine of the 23 and 29th 
ult. is at hand. Your proposition of purchasing at X. York has 
been adopted and all goods except a few staple articles will be 
purchased in accordance to it. Letters to Mr. Johnson will be 
highly acceptable and usefull. 

The request which I made you was to give your name for secu- 
rity for any contract which I may make for a ves.sellin the sum of 
1000$ and is independent of the 888.25. The 800$ you name 
will do, and the earliest liability on this will be at the expiration 
of a voyage commenced at ist July next to last at least 14 
months that is 17 months hence. The offer of 25 per ct. of 
profits for furnishing me goods and ves.sell was never a good offer. 



92] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 35 

but such as it was they backed out of it, by adding commissions 
for bmdng and selling fixing prices of articles, and charter of ves- 
sell, to such an amount as would have been ruinous and was no 
part of the original understanding. I have therefore rejected an^^ 
further overtures with them., and consider that they have broken 
faith with me and attempted to use me like a fool. I am offered 
room for shipping home goods on board of 3 vessells now on 
that coast on good terms and I think of closing the agreement, and 
taking with me such goods as I know will do and sending home 
m^" collections by one of them with directions to forward me such 
goods and vessells as are wanted which I will then be able to de- 
termine and the 1000^ for which I asked you to bind yourself 
will probably be used to enable me to obtain the credit of a ves- 
sell the arrangements for which I must make before I leave here, 
so as to be sure that there shall be no fail when it is wanted. I 
have written to you Mr. Jarvis and Leonard in the same manner 
as though I were to fit out this thing immediately on my 
own ace. and Risk because it is possible that I may be obliged to 
do so, but I would by no means do it if the arrangement above 
stated can be made, for if the buisness is fit to be pursued I shall 
when such vessell arrives here have an amt. of propert}^ in Boston 
which with $5000 in security in good names (which the 1000^ 
I ask of you will complete) will enable me to purchase the goods 
and the vessell on ordinary commissions. It is very important 
that I do not bind myself to throw the commissions of this buis- 
ness into the hands of strangers for the whole 5 years of our 
contract altho. I ma^'^ be obliged to do so at first as an inducement 
for giving for me the accommodations which I want. If this 
buisness should prove successful! the commissions alone would 
amt- to 4000$ per annum and the control of them I mean to 
keep if I can to repay those vv^ho may now help me of my own 
family and who may again be in want of something of the sort to 
keep them up in the world as has happened in days past. If you 
speak with Mr. Jarvis on the subject you can name to him my 
reasons for not accepting the ofi'er of 25 per cent. 

I have hinted the nature of my objections to it in a letter to 
him. I shall be careful not to name what you propose to do to 
any one, there is no advantage in talking of these matters. I 
shall probably be in Baltimure by the 15th March and may then 
see you. Please write me whether Mr. Jarvis is angry that I 
have undertaken this thing. I wish to know on what terms I 
am to stand with him and how to meet him. He told L. that he 
though[t] that you had advised me to it. I will undeceive him in 
this matter. 

Will you please to look in the city for Beaver traps. They should 
weigh 5 lbs. have double springs. Jaws without teeth and chain 6 
feet long with 2 swi veils in it. Of them I want 40 doz and 
write me the price for which they can be had cash. If such are 



36 CORRESPONDENCE: [93 

not to be found write me the nearest thing you can get and the 
price. 

If you agree to be responsible for me in any similar sum to the 
one asked, please write me a letter containing ( nothing else) sta- 
ting that when called on to do so you will be bound for me in 
800$ or 1000$ as the sum may be, for any debt or engagement 
my merchant here may make for me, payable as an indemnity for 
m3' default, on three months notice, at any time after Sept 15th 
1833. This letter with others I shall place in the hands of m^' 
merchant here, and when I order him to send me out a vessell or 
goods he will call on you to give said bond as security for the 
fulfilment of my engagement. If 3^ou are willing to do this, 
please forward the letter as above as soon as possible. 

And oblige 

Yr aff. X. J. AVyeth 

P. S. When I arrive at Baltimore I shall want about 6 horses 
to carry my goods and wagons to Pitsburg or Wheeling please 
write me in what manner they can be hired and for what sum 
probably. The horses only are wanted harness I have complete. 
They will be wanted from the 15th to 20th March. At New 
York I will send you specimens of some small articles which 
I want if I do not get them before you go there. 

XXXVII. 

Cambridge Feb loth 1832 
^Ir. John Ball (New York) 

Dear Sir 

Your favor of 8th inst is at hand. 
The letter to Mr Bache dated 18 ulto. contains all the information 
which I can at present communicate in regard to the plan of the 
expedition. What Mr. Kelley tells you is not the truth. It is 
true that I once proposed to join this expedition of his, but I re- 
linquished that idea when the^' joined their tw^o expeditions into 
one, for I consider it impracticable to and inhuman to attempt a 
passage across the continent with a party composed of men wom- 
en and children. The undertaking is enough for men. Your 
observation in regard to the salmon fishing is good, and a strong 
effort will be made to arrive in season to avail ourselves of it to 
procure food for the winter. I see no probability that Mr. 
Kelleys party will move at present. They have made no 
preparation as yet, nor do I believe that the}- can ever make pro- 
vision for moving such a mass as they propose. 

My party will leave Boston early in March and may be ex- 
pected to arrive in Baltimore b}^ the 15th of the month. We 
have now nearly enough men but any luimber of suitable persons 
will be received on the conditions named in my letter to Mr. 
Bache. Please use this letter as one of introduction to Mr. 
Charles Wveth of the firm of Wyeth and Norris Merchants Bait- 



94] WYETH'vS OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 37 

imore who is m}^ Brother and has some general knowledge of my 
plans. This gentleman will leave Balto. for New York about 
the 25th inst. after which time he may be found at Mess. Cripps 
and Wj^eth in Pearl St. Mr. Leonard I. W'yeth of the last named 
firm will also give you an^^ information on this subject which he 
may possess. He is also a brother of mine. If you conclude to 
join our expedition please give me early notice and bear in mind 
that there will be no avoidable delay in setting out. 

I am Yr Obt Servt Nathaniel J. Wyeth. 

Cambridge Feb loth 1S32 
Brother Leonard ( New York ) 

Yr favor of 3d. has been received 
I have been fearfull for some time that some things would turn 
out as appears to be the case Nevertheless be of good cheer patience 
overcometh all things. I have found a master of a vesselljust from 
the N.W. who will furnish me with the requisite information 
as to goods and I have written A Norris & Co of your city to pro- 
cure some of them. I have closed all except drawing bonds with 
a substantial commission merchant here an agreement which is 
entirely satisfactory. He agrees for ordinary commissions to 
bind himself to execute my order in regard to goods on the 
strength of furs collected and deposited on the N W Coast and 
will furnish at my order at any time within two years at a certain 
agreed rate of charter a vessell or vessells as many as are want- 
ed to fetch and carry on my furnishing names as security in in- 
demnity for loss b^' my fault to the amt. of 5000$ payable 
three months after loss ascertained. The first voyage cannot 
be terminated before July 1834 because it will not be com- 
menced until a year from the time I leave here and the voyage will 
take one year and delay four months and the 3 months above 
added will bring the earliest responsibility to the ist Oct 1834 
within a few months of the time which you proposed in your letter 
of Jany loth for the last paj't. Will you agree to indemnify in 
my default to the amt. of 1 500$ 3 months after damage is settled. 
If so please write me a letter containing nothing else in definite 
terms what you are willing to do. This letter I will place in the 
hands of my merchant here and when I order goods and vessells 
he will call on you for a bond of indemnity for the amt. A 
copy of my agreement with him I will furnish you before leaving. 
Mr. Tudor of his own accord offered to give his name for 
2500. This with yours, and a similar one for 1000$ of another 
person enables me to make this arrangement. This arrangement is 
all that I want in as much as there will be next summer on that 
coast 3 vessells b}^ which I can make shipments home in all prob- 
ability and at any rate can send information home of what I have 
collected and what I want which will do just as well. I have 



3-3 CORRESPONDENCE: [95 

been requested to take letters to all these vessells with orders to 
let me have what freight I want on reasonable terms if they are 
not full of which there is no great danger as vessells never fill up 
entirely in this trade. Finding how inconvenient this thing 
might prove to you I have written to Mr. J. to ask him for cash 
or name to a small amt. if he agrees I shall relieve a'ou of any 
trou1)le. 

Yr Afte & N. J. \V. 

XXXIX. 

Cambridge Feb 13th 1S32 
Sol. K Livermore Esq. (Milford N. H.)" 

Dear Sir Your favor of the 9th is but this moment received. 
We may leave Boston the ist Teuy of next month and shall not be 
here the 7th day. If Thomas is to go he must be here ver}^ near the 
20th inst as some little time is required to organize. The bugle 
buisness is well. I never went to Washington for anything rela- 
ting to this buisness not having been there this four j^ears. I 
have notified the Government by letter of the expedition and 
asked information of them in regard to the laws relating to In- 
dian trade, and offered to communicate to them anj^ information 
which I might obtain while there. My letters have been an- 
swered as I expected conveying information in regard to the laws 
of the trade and notifying that the Department of War would 
receive and avail itself of any information which I might com- 
municate. The information which 5'ou have received that a party 
left Boston for that country is not fact no party has left any part 
of the U. S. within several years for that country and 
there is now no American trading posts or Americans there ex- 
ce')t what may be in vessells on the coast. There are in the space 
from the Rocky Mountains to the sea and between the 42 and 
4gth deg. N.Latt. three British trading posts there maA^ be more but 
this is all that I know of, but between the Columbia River in 46 
deg. 15 min. and the Spanish line in 42 deg. and extending back 
600 miles to the Rocky Mounts, there is no establishment of 
any kind. vSmith, Pilcher, Ashly, Soublette, Jackson of the 
western states are all said to have made money in this buisness. 
J. Baker and Sou, the two Boardmans, Josiah Marshall, Dixie[?] 
Wilde, the Perkins of Boston have made mone}' in this buisness, 
which proves that the buisness must be carried on, which is as 
much as to prove that those who may become practicably ac- 
quainted with the buisness and are found capable and intelligent 
can always have good buisness as agents for others, for all of 
these men must have agents, none of them go out theniselves. 
Thomas is young and 5 3'ears hence would be early enough for 
him to undertake l)uisnes seriously, and he would then be fit if 
he pays attention to it to conduct anj' fur buisness and in my 



96] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 39 

estimation there is as fine an opening in this as any he could un- 
dertake especially as in this trade knowledge will stand in lieu of 
capital in a greater degree than in most kinds of buisness for who 
had not if he w^as about sending out an expedition rather give % 
profits to an experienced man with no capital than to a man with 
capital and without experience. 

I beg you to bear in mind that I do not urge his going. If he 
does go let it be at his own instance and not mine. All I can say 
is that if he exerts himself he shall have a chance in proportion 
in any arrangement that shall be made after the five years are ex- 
pired and that during that time he shall have the same prop, 
of profits as the other men and be used as well in all respects and 
receive from me every kindness and attention in my power to 
bestow. I am Yr. obt. Servt. 

Nath. J. Wyeth 

XIv. 

Cambridge Feb 13th 1832 
Hall J. Kelley Esq (Washington) 

Dear Sir 

Your favor of the 7th inst 
is at hand. However well affairs are going on at Washington 
matters little to me Anything they can do will come too late for 
my purposes. My arrangements are made to leave here ist 
March and I shall not alter them, neither can I delay on my 
route. 

I wish you well in your undertaking but regret that you could 
not have moved at the time and in the manner first proposed. 
When you adopted the plan of taking across the continent in the 
ist expedition women and children I gave up all hope that you 
would go at all and all intention of going with you if you did. 
The delays inseparable from a convoy of this kind are so great 
that you could not keep the mass together and if you could the 
delay would ruin my projects. I am much obliged to you for the 
information concerning licenses and Remain 

Yr. obt. servt. Nath. J. Wyeth 

XLI. 

Cambridge Feb i3tli 1832 
Mess Davenport & Byron (N York) 

Gent Your fav. of loth 
inst is at hand. Please order 20 Doz of the traps such as you 
name and such as used by Mr. Astor to be done as soon as 
possible and sent to Baltimore so as to arrive there certainly by 
the 7th March. Concerning chains I will advise you farther 
and also of what other goods are wanted and cannot be obtained 
in this place. 



40 CORRKSPONDE^XE: [97 

Please inform me whether you wish me to send the funds to 
you or whether you will draw on me. If the latter let it be at 5 
dsLjs sight and so as to reach here not later than ist March. 
I am yr obt. servt Xathl. J. W'yetli 

XIJI. 

Cambridge Feb lytli 1.S32 
Broth. Leonard (New York) 

Your favor of the 13th is at hand and 
as you do not acknowledge mine of the loth I fear it has miscar- 
ried. In lieu of the proposition contained in it I will ask you to 
place your guarantee on the back of the agreement which I have 
made with Mess Hall and Williams which will be the same 
thing to you and save future trouble if loss should arise. You 
cannot be called upon for indemnity short of 30 months which 
will be Sept 1834 but a short time prior to the last sum 
named in your letter of loth Jan3^ and differs so little from your 
own proposal that I have proceeded on the presumption that 3'ou 
would do it and shall forward the document to your place before 
the 25th. You wall perceive by the agreement with Tucker Hall & 
Williams that the first shipment that will be made (and of course 
the first responsibility which you. will incur) will be predicated on 
on orders sent home by me vrhich cannot be short of a year. One 
year more at least for the shipment to return and loss ascertained 
and unavoidable delays wall bring your liability to as distant a 
time as the one I have named but if you thirik advisable you can 
name the time at which you do bind yourself to indemnify in the 
entry on back of the agreement. 

The agreement I have made is precisely what Mr. Osgood though[t] 
could be procured of Mess. J. Baker and son. I called on them 
but they would make me no offer, but after having closed with 
Hall and Co. they were anxious to do it, and expressed them- 
selves disappointed that it w-as too late. I would have liked an 
arrangement with them better because they are in the trade. 
The others otherwise are as good men as they can be. I am afraid 
I closed rather hastily but I had been bandied much by those in 
the trade and I expected the same thing with them. My time 
was short and the offer I got as good as could possibly be made by 
good men. 

vSay to Mr. Osgood that I am much obliged to him for his 
kindness and that his letter will yet do me service probably in 
enabling me to make arrangement wnth Mr. Baker to take any 
surplus of goods which his vessells are liable to have when leav- 
ing that coast. 

Please answer soon. Yr aff Bro. Xathl. J. Wyeth. 



98] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 41 

XLIII. 

Cambridge Feb. 21 1832 
Mess Davenport & Byron (N York) 

Gent. The Bond of A. Nor- 
ris & Co mentioned in your letter of i6th inst I will take up, and 
transmit the same to j^ou with funds to meet the balance of dis- 
bursements in a Branch check at which time I will advise you 
further. I am &c y N. J. W. 

XLIV. 

Cambridge Feb 22d, 1832 
Bro. ■Leonard N. York 

Your letter of 18 inst is at hand. I 
shall send toNew York a copy of the agreement with Hall and Will- 
iams and Mr Tucker as soon as the same is signed by them which 
cannot be until the ist March because the stile of their firm is then 
to be changed. I am pleased that you are suited with these men. 
I have been long acquainted with them and esteem them highly 
as honest and upright men. The surplus funds are subject to my 
order so far as to cover all the disbursements made by me and 
any surplus funds after said deduction are subject to the order of 
the Co. so far as placing them where they please in trust for the 
said Co and as a fund to secure the debts of the Co and to be so 
kept in trust until the expiration of the 5 years. My agreement 
with Hall and Williams binds them to deposit in bank any sur- 
plus fund that msLj arise in default of orders on the subject. 

I shall forward to you the agreement to be signed by the Com- 
pany which will explain to the persons you name the nature of 
their duties and proportion of profits. In the mean time assure 
any that call that we are really going to start by or before 
ist March. When I forward this document I shall give informa- 
tion concerning the hopes and prospects of the Co &c. and speci- 
fy how many are then wanted to fill up and of what trades. For 
this purpose I shall then request you or some other person to ad- 
vertise in your city. Persons thus engaged will arrive in Balto. 
as soon as we shall and there join us. This must serve instead of 
your proposition of coming on by land. Policy forbids sending 
on the men alone. 

The offer which 3'ou make of a letter of credit for 500$ relieves 
me much, if you could give me one for 1300$ and in case I draw 
for more than the 500$ you could draw on Jas. Brown for the sur- 
plus it would accomodate me much. B will answer drafts for the 
800$ at ten days sight and in such case pledge property of mine 
in his hands to raise it. 

The guarantee which I wish you to make I have placed on the 
back of my agreement with H & Williams made payable in de- 
fault 27 months from date. 

[No signature.] 



42 corrhspondf;xck: [99 

XLV. 

CamlDridge Feb 26th 1S32 
Brother Jacob ( Howel Furnace X Jersey) 

I write to inform you 
that on Thursday March ist we shall form our camp on Long 
Island in Boston Harbour and that within 6 days thereafter we 
shall sail for Baltimore. I write thus early that you may loose no 
time in making preparations for a moove to — 

[This letter breaks off because a leaf of the letter-book has been 
torn out at this point.] 

XLVI. 

Cambridge Feb 28th 1832 
Mess. Davenport & Byron (X York) 

Gent. Enclosed you [will 
find] the bond of Mess. A. Xorris and Co. which please pass to 
my credit, and after making the small purch[as]es below named for- 
ward to me an ace. of your disbursements with ballance due you 
said ballance I will then forward to you in a Branch check. These 
papers must arrive here bj' the 6th March as I may leave Boston 
as soon as that time. Let them be directed to me in Boston to 
the care of Frederic Tudor Esq. If you find it impossible to get 
these accounts here by the time named present them to Mess 
Cripps and Wyeth Pearl St. whom I will request to settle them. 
I wish you to send the goods to me to the care of Mess W^^eth 
& Norris Baltimore and by the steam-boat line if possible to avoid 
the risk of their not arriving in season. Xearly all the goods 
wanted have been obtained here. The chains I have obtained. 
What I now want is 3 doz. Spanish knives of best quality for 
personal arms 5 Yz inch blade with a set to prevent its shutting 
when open, 60 to 8[o] yds of red cloth such as is used in the In- 
dian trade to cost not more than 1.75 per yard of a bright scarlet 
6-4 wide. Purchase none unless of the kind you know to be 
used in the Indian trade, about 50$ worth of beads of the size of 
the large ones which are enclosed ^ of the blue of the same 
shade as nearly as can be of the small ones. Of the small ones I 
have purchased an assortment. 

fXo signature.] 

XLvn. 

Long Island Boston Harbor March 3d 1S32 
Mr Seymour Whiting (Xew York) 

Dear Sir Your fav. of 27 ulto. 
came in course to hand and would have been answered before 
this but for my being extremely buisy in forming my camp at 
this place which was done on the ist inst. We shall sail during 
all the time to the 8th inst [?] for Baltimore per Bg. Ida with a 
fair complement of men. 



loo] WYRTH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 43 

This expedition emplo5-s so iiearh' all my means that I find it 
impossible to comply with 5^our proposal but were m}^ means 
more extended I would with pleasure do it to ensure the benefit 
of your company. Say to Mess Ball and Sinclair that we have 
commenced in the work and shall go on with spirit. They have 
probably' ere this had a note from my brother of the firm of 
Cripps and Wj'eth in whose hand a copy of the compact has been 
placed. 

I am 3'r obt servt N. J. W 

XLVIII. 

Camp Long Island Boston Harbour March 3d 1S32 
Mr. H. J. Kelley (Washington) 

Dear Sir 

Your fav. of 24th ulto. was 
received on the 2nd inst. being the day after I formed my camp at 
this place. I have not and shall not call on Genl. Mc Neil having 
written him once and received no answer. I sail per Bg. Ida 
within 5 days for Baltimore and may be expected there from the 
15 to the 20th inst. but shall remain there no longer than I can 
possibly help. 

I am perpectly well aware of the importance of cooperation of 
all the Americans who may go to that countrs' but I am well con- 
vinced that this thing has been delayed too long already and that 
further delay will defeat my enterprise beside not being in the 
habit of setting two times to do one thing. I am quite willing to 
join your emigration but mil not delay here or at St. lyouis. You 
very much mistake if you think I wish to desert your party, but 
you must recollect that last ist Jany was set at first as the time of 
starting. 

I am yr Obt Servt. N. J. W. 

XLIX. 

Cambridge Camp Long Island March 4 1832 
[This part of the head of the letter and the date are writ- 
ten with the ink used in writing the first portion of the following 
letter. All excepting the date is crossed out with ink used in 
writing second portion.] 

Bg. Ida at Sea 
[With ink used in second portion.] 
Bro. Perry (Newbury^ Vt.) 

Your letter of Dec 22 was received in 
due time. I have defered answering to this time that I might 
speak as one on the verge of a great event. Y^r letter to Mess. 
Clark and Grau shall be delivered if opportunity serves. Perhaps 
it is a dead letter. What 3^ou write in regard to myself I presume 
is the truth and that I am not ashamed of, altho. it may be 



44 CORRESPONDENCE: [loi 

sealed ''Cordiality and kindness is what I always presume on" 
feeling as tlio. I deserve it from the hands of all men in-as-much 
as they deserve it from me. 

The though[t] of leaving X. England /o7'ever has never entered 
my mind. As to the hazard of it there can be no hazard greater 
than death (in my crede) and that all must meet at some time 
and if there were I should not much regret leaving the land of 
religious freedom as you call it but it is not so to me finding in it 
[Across the above portion of the copy of this letter is written 
"continued on the next page." Copies of letters L- and LI. are 
interposed between the preceding and the following portions.] 
none of that freedom of religious opinion of which you speak, by 
freedom of opinion I mean the exercise and avowal of ones ideas 
without harm accruing therefrom. Can an^^ one say that my opin- 
ions have been exercised in freedom and that no harm has accrued 
to me. Can one any assert that I have not been lowered in the 
estimation of my fellows thereby? Yet they are as honest opin- 
ions and as conscientiously believed in and perhaps as much pains 
and investigation used in their formation as in those of most men. 
Have I not been told that those who believed not in the bible 
were not fit to be argued with and that too by men who hold 
themselves especially called to preach forth the religion of love 
and charity to all men. Are not men of one denomination of opin- 
ion avoided in all the relations of life by those of another does 
not the orthodox man employ the orthodox in most buisness that 
he may have the disposal of does not the temperance society man 
often sa}' that he will employ none but his own class whereb}^ damage 
accrues to the other and for merely taking the liberty to exercise 
his own opinions. And yet you call this a land of civil and re- 
ligious liberty. I repeat I have not found it such. 

I doubt not brother Pern.- but you have much at heart my wel- 
fare both temporal and eternal a difference of opinion has never 
in me created any hardness of opinion toward you I have always 
though [t] you sincere in your professions and have respected you 
accordingly as one who being convinced that he was in the right 
path and only path was anxious that all should walk therein for 
their good. I cannot but respect such disinterested and arduous 
exertions for the good of others altho. I think them mistaken. I do 
not ridicule nor would I persecute altho I do not believe but am 
willing that all should enjoy their own opinions and am convinced 
that all honest opinions will be tolerated elsewhere if not — [Across 
the copy of this second portion of the letter is written "continued 
on the 3rd following page from last page. " About half of the page 
designated is cut out. This mutilation of the book was caused evi- 
dently by the desire to suppress the remainder of the letter — at 
least two other letters were sacrificed as the two following remnants 
indicate:] 



I02] WYRTH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 45 

Camp Long Island Head Boston Harbor March 6th [S32 
Mr E. E. Lansing (New York) 

Dear Sir Your favor of 2nd inst is 
at hand I have instructed my brother of the firm of Cripps & Wyeth 
Pearl St. your city — [Half leaf removed.] 

— advised if I had given any on such a subject. You can commu- 
nicate at least twice a 3'ear, and if the expedition is fortunate 3^ou 
will be able on your return to live in the stile you like, if otherwise 
the thing will be abandoned within two years and you will return 
j ust as well off as you are now. Please consider this my last letter 
from this place. I am yr afte Bro. N. J. Wyeth 

[Copies of six letters at least were inserted between 2nd and 3rd 
(which is missing) portions of letter XLIX. This indicates un- 
unusual deliberation in writing that letter if not hesitation in copy- 
ing it into his book. 

The irregularity in the order of appearance of the letters in this 
part of the book is most likely due to a failure to have the letter 
book always at hand in passing back and forth between Cambridge, 
Camp Eong Island, and Boston.] 



Boston March 9th 1832 
Brother Leonard (New York ) 

Enclosed you have a check in fav. of 
Mess. Davenport and Byron for 450$ with which please settle 
the balance due the above gentlemen of 525.79. The above is all 
the money that I can spare at this place. The surplus you will 
oblige me by considering as in part of what I am allowed to draw 
on you for. If you cannot do this draw on me in Baltimore and 
it shall be refunded. 

I am &c N. J. Wyeth. 

LI. 

Boston March 9th, 1832 
Mess. Davenport and Byron(N York) 

Gent Your fav. of 3d inst. 
is but just received and is ver>^ satisfactory. Please accept my 
thanks for the promptness with which you have attended to this 
buisness. 

By this mail I have made remittance to Mr. Leond. I. Wyeth 
of the firm of Mess. Cripps & Wyeth Pearl St. your city on 
whom please call for settlement. I go hence b}^ water therefore 
cannot have the pleasure of seeing you in N. York as you are po- 
lite enough to hope. 

I am >T- obt servt. N. J. Wyeth. 



46 CORRESPONDRNCR: [103 

Cambridf^e March 5th 1832 
Bro. Leond. (New York) 

Mess. Tucker and Williatas will for- 
ward to 3'ou the agreements between them, Henry Hall and my- 
self on both of which 3^011 will please place your guarantee for 
$1500 and request Charles to do the same for 1000$ and in case 
he is not in your city send them to him to execute and in either 
case have one returned whence it came and the other sent to me 
at Baltimore, also all letters of credit which you have for me to 
arrive there from the 17th to the 20th inst. Please take a copy 
for your own satisfaction and request Charles to do the same. I 
shall not write to you again from this place but will endeavour to 
do it from Baltimore if I do not see you there which if buisness 
permits would gratify me much. 
All well here and in haste. 

Yr afte. Bro. N. J. W. 

LIII. 

Cambridge March 6th 1832. 
Bro. Leond (X. York) 

Your fav. of 3d inst. is at hand. My let- 
ter book is at Long Island therefore cannot give you a duplicate 
of my letter of the 27th inst. I think it contained some agree- 
ments between m^^self and men and instructions to engage 15 
who would comply with the same, and write notes to all those 
had seen you on the subject. This letter was enveloped in a 
newspaper covering post paid to the care of your firm. Please 
on the receipt of this write notes to Tht. Bache, care of Mr. 
Swartwort tne collector and to E. E. Lansing care of Mess Whit- 
ney and Mc. Parian 91 Maiden Lane stating that such a letter has 
miscarried. A duplicate I will send to-morrow. We sail in the 
Bg. Ida for Baltimore on the loth inst. The letter to E.- E. March 
is received for which I thank vou. 

I am Yr Afte Bro N. J. W. 

IJV. 

Camp Long Island Head Boston Harbor Mr. 5th 1S32 
Mr Theo. Bache (New York) 

Dear Sir 

Your fav. of the ist inst. is at 
hand. Our camp was formed at this place on the ist inst. We 
sail for Baltimore in the brig Ida on the loth inst. and should we 
have a good passage we may be expected to arrive in that 
city by the i8th by which time please be in that city. 

Ere this I suppose you have received a note from my brother 
of your city in whose possession you will find a copy of the con- 
tract to be signed and which will be done when vou meet us. 



I04] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 47 

The letter from Mr. Lansing is at hand and is answered by this 
mail. I am &c N. J. W. 

[Half leaf of letter book is here cut out. This mutilation de- 
stroyed the 3rd portion of letter XI^IX. and the main parts of 
two letters remnants of which are given in connection with let- 
ter XLIX.] 

LV. 

Boston March loth 1832 
Mr John Ball N. York 

Dear Sir This is to inform you of our 
sailing this day in the Baltimore Packett Ida and to request you 
to meet us at Baltimore as soon as the i8th near which time we 
may be expected to arrive in the city. When there enquire of 
me of Mess. Wveth & Norris Markett St. Baltimore. 

Yr Obt Servt N. J. \V 

LVI. 

Boston March loth 1S32 
Mr. John Sinclair (X. York) 

Dear Sir This is to inform you 
of our sailing this da}' in the Baltimore Packett Ida and to re- 
quest 3'ou to meet us at Baltimore as soon as the iSth near which 
time we may be expected to arrive in that city. When there en- 
quire of Mess Wj^eth & Norris Market St. Baltimore for me. 

I am yr. &c N. J. Wyeth 

LVII. 

Bg. Ida at Sea March 15th 1832 
Bro. lyconard (New York) 

Fearing I may not see you on my arri- 
val at Baltimore I employ my leisure in writing to 3^ou. I have 
given Mr Brown a power of at[t]orney to act in my behalf. This 
I did because he is on the spot and also more intimate with my 
affairs than any other person. Another reason was that there is 
a bank getting up in Cambridge of which he cannot fail of being 
a director, and through him if I wish I shall have the power of 
raising money provided I make him sufficiently intimate with my 
affairs. If successfull my operations will require a large sum of 
mone}' and a bank iti Camb. will be the one to raise it from and 
b}^ placing my unavailable property at his disposal it may be 
used through his endorsement at a bank that will always want cus- 
tomers. I have not yet made up my mind whom I shall commis- 
sion to examine the ace. of Mess. Tucker and Williams and I 
think I shall not at present commission any one to do it inas- 
much as nothing will be required until the shipments are made 
nor do I know that any examination will be requisite until the ex- 
piration of five years. If you think otherwise and are willing to at- 



48 CORRESPONDENCE: [105 

tend to it I will request them to forward their accounts to you. 
I shall send you certified accounts of my disbursements in behalf 
of the Co. These are available according to the agreement as 
soon as the amt. can be spared from the operations of the concern 
without interest, as also all private loans to the different members 
on account of their outfits and traveling expenses and notes or 
due bills for the latter I will forward you from St. Louis or Frank- 
lin in order that I may send you all at once. As to the commis- 
sions of this buisness they are all mortgaged for the 5 years and 
must go to Tucker and Williams. I should have been better 
pleased to have kept them at my own disposal but I could not do 
it and perhaps during the 5 years it would be no object. I have 
obtained letters from J. Baker and Son which will enable me to 
send home goods and information by their vessells also to pur- 
chase any surplus goods that their vessells may have when leav- 
ing that coast. This may be an advantage to both saving them 
the loss of carrying home a few useless goods and enabling me to 
purchase what I want wdthout paying freight. They also if they 
continue the salmon [trade] wish to make arrangement with 
me to put up their cargoes which I may do provided it does not 
interfere with mj' own trade in this article. I like the men much 
and if it lays' in my way to do them a favor it certainly wdll be 
done. Letters will reach me through Tucker and W^illiams Bos- 
ton and I enjoin upon you to write me as often as you have an 
opportunity and you may rest assured that I will do the same. 
My journal I shall send one copy to Mr. Brown and one to 
you and Charles jointly. These you must preserve with care as 
it will be intended for publication if on finishing it is found 
worth it, and as the character of the expedition will depend much 
on this care must be used that it be not lost or divulged, as pub- 
lication would destroy one half of its value and it may be that I 
would not wish all the facts of the trade divulged before I have 
done with it. 

As I am leaving all reasonable vicinity I must bid adieu 
to all my friends among which I number your good wife. 
Say to her that her life has been checkered with heavy afflictions 
but still there have been other misfortunes more difficult to bear, 
that there is comfort in some sorts of affliction but in others there 
is naught but bitterness and that as we advance in life we are 
gradually weaned from our love of life until we pass naturally 
from this to another existence and that death which in early life 
we dread so much I doubt not may come a welcome visitor to 
the weary and worn in misfortune and to those whose dearest 
treasures have gone before them. Sa^- to the little girls that 
their uncle iNat has gone far from them but that in the wilder- 
ness he stil[l] remembers them while probably in a few months he 
will be forgotten, all but the name by them and this I have no 



lo6] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 49 

doubt you will keep in their minds, life is too full of pleasures for 
them to remember their distant friends long. 

My health is pretty good and hope and excitement has made 
another man of me. I am determined to give up no more to 
melancholy feelings but rouse myself up to exertion and enter- 
prise and forget the things that have been and all but what is be- 
fore me. If I am successful there will be some comfort in it if 
otherwise I will have some serious and present misfortunes to 
keep me from brooding over more distant and metaphysical ones. 
If I fail in my enterprise it will be an undertaking that few men 
could even look at if successful it will be fame and wealth enough 
to keep me on a par and in standing with the best other circum- 
stances to the contrary notwithstanding. The present which Mr. 
Tudor made me on settlement is as fair an offset to Mr. J. . . con- 
duct that in a civil way he shall know it, it is too good an enco- 
mium on my character to keep from him. You need not be 
alarmed for my temper, for I will keep the advantage of coolness 
over him and he shall find that I have more patience than he im- 
agined and too much pride to shew that he can hurt my feelings 
even if it is reall}^ the case. I expect a little spleen from him but 
he shall keep it all to himself he shall not infect me with it, it 
would gratify him too much. 

I left our parents all well and also the other members of the 
family some scolding and some cr^dng, and both to equalh^ little 
purpose, altho they have their effect and show who values us. 

I am &c N. J. W. 

P. S. Baltimore March 24th 1832 

I arrived here on the 23d inst. and received your fa v. of 
the 15th enclosing a letter to Tiffany Shaw & Co. and check for 
424.21 which is very timelj^ as Charley had even forgot to for- 
ward Mortons note which he had been twice directed to do. I 
shall leave this on Tuesday and shall wish to receive an answer 
to this at Pitsburg. 

LVIII. 

Baltimore March 24th 1832 
Judah Touro Esq. (N. Orleans) 

Dear Sir I write to apprise you that on my arrival at this 
place on my way out to the Columbia River I found that my 
brother Mr C. Wyeth had neglected to forward to you the note 
against Morton Brown & Co. referred to in my letter of the 7 th of 
Feb. last. The note will be disposed of here or left behind or 
sent to you, in the last of which cases please look for advices to 
Mr. C. Wyeth. 

Please excuse mv troubling you in this matter. 

I am &c N. J. W. 



50 CORRKSPONDKXCK: [107 

LIX. 

Baltimore March 24th 1S32 
Mr. H. J. Kelley (Washington City) 

Dear Sir I arr]i]ved here on 
the 23d at midnight and have received 3'our favor of same day. 
I will take charge of an}^ of the emigrants who will defray their 
own expenses at any part of the route provided no dela}' will be 
occasioned to my party. I leave this on Tuesday next for Pits- 
burg and should be pleased to receive from you a copy of the map 
referred to in vour letter. 

N. J. W. 
hx. 

Baltimore March 24th 1832 
Mr Jas Brown (Cambridge) 

Dear Sir I arrived here on the 23d 
inst. after a severe passage. Please fix in your mind some means 
of mortgaging my house for about $800 — and pledging the note 
of F. Tudor for its amt. in order that when drawn as I possibh' 
may you may not be put to inconvenience. I shall be obliged to 
draw at short sight if at all, on ace. of the scarcity of money at 
the West. If you feel able to do it, forward to Leond. I. Wyeth 
another letter similar in tenor to the first, allowing him to draw at 
what sight you are able and for what further amt. you think your- 
self safe in doing. I hope and think that I shall [not] call for more 
than $200 but wish to be on the safe side. On board the Brig 
Ida you will find a bundle of nine Buffaloes which are I. Reads 
please pay freight and hand them to him and pay the damage 
and give him m^^ thanks. 

Give mv love to vour good wife and bovs. 

Vr friend N. J. W. 

LXI. 

Brownsville April 6th 1832 
Brother Charles (Baltimore) 

I write to apprise you that I shall have 
to draw on you in accordance with your letter of Cr. given me 
by Mr. Norris for 300$ from Wheeling and in case I should not 
be able to dispose of such draft I shall from that place request 
you to forward me a Branch Check for the same. I write this 
knowing the state of the money markett and in order that you 
may be prepared. 

N. J. Wyeth. 

LXII. 

Pitsburg April Sth 1832 
Bro. Leonard (New York) 

Your fav. of 28th ulto. is at hand. I 
shall in case I fail to obtain money on a letter of Cr. from Charles 



loS] WYRTH'S OREGON EXPEDITlONvS. 51 

for 300$ draw on you for the 11 00 provided I want so much and 
if I want more I shall presume to draw on you for the full amt. 
of 1300 and presume that Charles will meet the same, as I relieved 
him from doing so at Baltimore, and Mr. Brown can certainly 
avail himself of sufficient from my property in his hands to meet 
any thing that I will draw. 

Jacob says his trunk is worth $100 you may therefore calcu- 
late it $25. It can be of no importance to me nor do I believe to 
himself. Leave this morning direct for St. Louis. I will re- 
quest Jacob to write to you. 

There is a balance of a draft of Jacobs for 150$ with father's 
endorsement thereon in my favor on Charles, and this amt. I shall 
not use and from this you can reimburse yourself if you deem ad- 
visable and I will retain the draft for your advantage. As Charles 
has seen it he cannot refuse to pay it. The draft is for 600$ and 
is in my hands. $450 was consumed by a little cash and the 
letter of credit above referred to. I will send it to you on Charles 
if you direct me so to do, at vSt. Louis where I wish to receive an 
answer to this. 

N. J. W. 

LXIII. 

Pitsburg April 8th 1832 
Bro. Ciiarles (Baltimore) 

Being Sunday cannot sell a draft on you. 
Please pay the amt. of your letter of Cr. to Leond. I. Wyeth and 
oblige ' Yr Afte Bro N. J. Wyeth. 

LXIV. 

Pitsburg April 8th 1832 

Mr H. J. Kelley (Washington) 

Dear Sir Your fav. of 29th ulto. is 
at hand. I will in conformit}^ with my first assurance given in 
my letter of 23d ulto. take charge of ten of your emigrants. 
Any further arrangement must be with the persons who are 
disposed to go out. My reason for this is that I am bound 
by my engagements to my Company and must consult them in 
regard to any arrangements on the subject but you need not by 
this understand me positively to refuse it as I do not know how 
the Co. will be disposed to act. 

I shall at all times be disposed to further an emigration to the 
Columbia as far as I deem, on actual knowledge of the countr}', 
that it will be for the advantage of the emigrants, but before I 
am better acquainted with the facts I will not lend my aid in in- 
ducing ignorant persons to render their scituation worse rather 
than better. 

fNo signature,] 



52 CORRKSPONDRN'CE: [109 

LXV. 

Cincitiati April loth 1832 
Leoiid. Jarvis Esq. (Baltimore) 

Dear Sir Your fav. of the 5th 
inst. came safe to hand, enclosing' the very acceptable letters to 
Mess Pilcher & Sanford, also authority to draw on ^-ou for $500 
if my necessitys required and if such happens to be the case I shall 
advise you of it. You have my thanks for the kindness and 

5'ou — 

LXVI. 

[Letter LXV breaks off al^ruptly. Letter LX\'L opens with- 
out date or superscription. As they appear on pages numbered 
as consecutive the inference would be that occasion suddenly 
arose to pack the letter book at Cincinnati and not again use it 
until Ft. Vancouver was reached. The words "Probably to F. 
Tudor Ksq." are in Mr. Wyeth's hand.] 

Probably to F. Tudor Esq. 

On the 4th of Jany inst. the wind vered to the N.E.and immedi- 
ately the weather which to that time had been rainy and warm 
set in clear and cold, like that you have when the wind is N, 
W.but not so cold, the Ther. varsdng from 12 deg.to 2odeg. above 
zero. The Columbia as near as I can find freezes up about half 
the years. East winter and this it has frozen. The ice when it 
freezes smooth is good. It is now about 6 inches, but the sur- 
face is a complete chaos, but as this trade will not soon thrive in 
this quarter it ceases to be a subject of interest. 

In an agricultural view there are many advantages in this 
country the most prominent of which is that the operation of 
plowing need never be suspended more than one month, and 
one half of the years not at all, (thereby giving much more 
time for the farmer's work,) and the facility of feeding stock in 
winter for the snow seldom falls here and the horses and cattle 
feed out all the year. When the wind comes from the land it is 
cool and dry, when from the ocean it rains incessantly. There 
appears to me to be but a small proportion of the countn.-^ fit for 
cultivation. Near the sea the country is mountainous and rough 
so much so that I believe 9-10 of the land could not be 
ploughed. Farther in the interior the nights are frosty all sum- 
mer the earth excessively barren producing but a scant}^ portion 
of very nutritive grass, and I presume there are few parts of the 
earth where less moisture is found than in the interior of this 
country. The best part of this country that I have seen is on 
the Wallemet but 1 am informed that there is a good section of 
covmtry near Pugets Sound and on the Cowliskie River. On the 
Columbia itself there is little or no valuable land. Of the Sal- 
mon and Fur buisness I can inform 3'ou nothing as no buisness 
letters can go out of this country by this conveyance. When I 



no] WYETH'S ORRGON RXPEDITIONS. 53 

arrived at the British posts my men what were then left being 
determined to wander no more I was left to ra3^self in this di- 
lemma. I was invited by Dr J. McGlaucland (Gov. in behalf of 
the H. B. Co. in this country) to make this post my habitation 
until I returned. I have been treated in the most hospitable and 
kind manner by all the gentlemen of this country. There are 
far more of the comforts of life enjoyed here by the residents 
than is imagined in the states. 

Respectfully yr. obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth 

LXVII. 

Fort Vancouver Jany i6th 1833 
Dear Parents (Camb) 

After much delay and some difficulty in the 
shape of long marches on foot I am at last here and now am as 
much in haste to get back again. From hunger I have suffered 
not much. This climate proves to be warm and agreeable but in 
winter rather too much rain. You may expect me home in 
October next. 

Jacob could go no farther than the mountains. His heart 
looked back to the things of home and he could not see the re- 
turn convoy depart alone. I^ivermore deserted me twelve days 
out from the settlements. Both are I hope safe with their friends 
but the latter behaved very dishonorably. I do not write much 
at the present as I hope to be so soon with you beside I cannot 
by this conveyance touch on matters of buisness all I can say is 
that the first of it looks bad enough. If I should be longer in re- 
turning than above stated do not be alarmed for in the way 
I shall travell there is no danger except of my health and that is 
now pretty good. My party have now all left me and I have 
hired two men who are to return with me. I have in time of 
need found (in this land of strangers) kind friends who have alle- 
viated all my sufferings with the exception of that one which 
arises from a consciousness that I shall never be able to repay to 
them those civilities that I have received but I am sure that the 
opportunity of assisting me has afforded them pleasure. You 
can have but little idea how much men improve in some points of 
character in scituations like these. If polite carriage and 
shrewd intellect are best acquired in more populous parts of the 
earth, generous feelings are fostered by the wilds, and amid sav- 
ages the civilized man seems to uphold his character better than 
among his fellows. Yr. afte son, Nathl. J. Wyeth 

LXVIII. 

Fort Vancouver Jany i6th [833 
Mess. Tucker & Williams (Boston) 

Gent I am not at liberty -by 
this conveyance to send 3'ou any information touching matters of 



54 CORRESPONDENCE: [in 

buisness. I can say to 3'ou nothing farther than that no orders 
will come to you from me at present. My party have all left me 
and I am about returning across the mountains with two men 
that I have hired for the purpose. The small amt. of goods 
which I took with me are deposited in the interior as well as 
some furs. Of these I shall endeavor to avail m3'self on my re- 
turn route but their value is not sufficient to fit out a sufficient 
party expressl}^ for them and vinless I meet a party going ver^' 
near my deposits I shall dispose of them or leave them as ma}' 
happen. Perhaps so much as the above may be allowed to pass 
by this conveyance. We have not suffered much owing to the 
politeness and attention which I have received from the Traders 
of this country both English and American. They have alwa3's 
given me all the information and assistance in their power. 
I am Yr. Obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth 

LXIX. 

Fort X'^ancouver Jany i6th 1S33 
Brother Leond. 

I write you this which will reach \'Ou near the 
same time as m^'self provided I meet with no accident, but write 
for fear that this should be the case. My route will be across the 
land to about Latt 43 deg. in the Rocky Mountains and so down 
the Platte to the Missouri. This letter will reach 3'ou b^' the fa- 
vor of the H. B. Co. to whose agents in this quarter I am much 
indebted for assistance and information but for obvious reasons 
I cannot touch upon matters of buisness in a letter conve^-ed by 
them further than to say that I shall draw on you or Charles for 
a very small amt. due them for supplies and please consider this 
as notice for the same. My journey hither has been attended 
with much less difficulty than I expected but it appears the hard- 
ships of the undertaking are much greater than those with me 
anticipated as the}' have as the}' fell in with chances deserted, so 
that I now have but two men whom I have hired to go back with 
me. I think I may reach home in Oct. or Nov. next but it need oc- 
casion no alarm if I am detained a year longer. M}^ object in re- 
turning by a different route from that by which this will reach 
3^ou is to avail myself of some deposits of valuables which I have 
in the mountains. If I am so unfortunate as to meet no Amer- 
ican party going to the states I will not be able to come for it is 
too dangerous to cross the mountains with but three men and 
those not the best for such a purpose. My health is pretty good 
and I enjoy myself as well as I can while dependent on the hos- 
pitality of others. I make this letter short expecting soon to be 
with you. 

You will give my respects to your good wife and love to the 
little nieces. Mv respects also to Mr Osgood. 

Yr. afte. Bro.^ Xathl. J. Wyeth. 



112] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 55 

LXX. 

Fort Vancouver Jany i6th 1833 
Brother Charles (Baltimore) 

This will be short and I hope sweet. 
It comes to you by the politeness of the Hudsons Bay Co. and as 
a matter of consequence cannot contain matters of buisness. 
From the agents of this Co. I have received all manner of atten- 
tion and assistance rendered in such a way as to make it palat- 
able. I expect to be with you about the time that you receive 
this but if I should be a year later do not be alarmed for it is en- 
tirel)'- a chance if I meet with an American part^^ in the upper 
country and if I do not, I must remain on this side of the Mts. I 
have now with me two hired men only, all my party having left 
me, and with only three men I will not undertake to cross the 
mountains beside when I am in a country where I can get horses 
to ride, Buffaloe to eat, and Deer skin to wear I am as well off as 
I can be anywhere and if I make no money, I shall loose none and 
so much of life will be gone, all the trouble of life will be all the 
same a hundred years hence. From the Hudsons Bay Co. I have 
drawn some supplies and for these I shall draw a small draft on 
you or lycond. and please receive this advise of the same. Our 
journey out was attended with few of the difficulties anticipated as 
also with less of the romance and adventure. I expect soon 
to be with you and therefore do not write so much in full as 
otherwise I would. Please present my best respects to j^our good 
lady and to the little nephews. My name sake is by this time a 
famous fellow and I hope he is as much like him he is named for, 
as little Charley, that is much more quiet and tractable than the 
latter. Yr. Afte. Bror Nathl. J. Wi'eth. 

LXXI. 

Fort Vancouver Jan}^ i6th 1833 
I,eond. Jarvis Esq. (Baltimore) 

Dear Uncle I write you, because it 
would be unpardonably in me not to do so whenever I have an 
opportunity rather than because I have much to communicate. 
Matters of buisness cannot pass by this conveyance which is 
through the Hudsons Bay Co, I am about returning to the states 
by the same route by which I came which I do to obtain some de- 
posits of valuables which for want of horses I left in the interior. 
In this I shall probably fail but the chance is worth trying for. 
In case I am successfuU I may arrive in your city about Oct. 
next but if any disappointment occurs in meeting some Amer- 
ican party I may be a year later. My party have all followed 
suite — 



56 CORREvSPONDENCE: [113 

[The removal of a leaf from the letter book at this point makes 
the copies of letters LXXI and I^XXII fragmentary and prob- 
ably caused the entire loss of several other letters.] 

I.XXII. 

— the Bg vSultana bound to the Columbia owned bj- Joseph 
Baker and Son to the master and supercargo of which I had let- 
ters of Cr. to enable me to take any supplies from her that were 
wanted at certain regulated prices settled in Boston 6th [a]s 
to abandoning the enterprise it was by their desire to a man. If 
the above does not justify me from all reproach except ignorance 
I must bear it but at the same time with a consciousness of not 
deserving it. 

The enclosed proposition I have forwarded to the Gov. through 
Mr Herron by whom I was induced to make it. While with 3'ou 
I had no idea that an}' arrangement of the kind could be made 
otherwise should have handed it to you. I do not ask you to 
put in a good word for me because I know you will do it if con- 
sistent with your judgment and not otherwise. If you remain in 
the country I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again as I am 
determined, at the present moment, to revisit it and endeavor to 
improve b}^ past experience. Of this letter you are at liberty' to 
make what use you think proper. It is intended to meet any strict- 
ures that may be made on my conduct (for where there has been 
suffering there is usually crimination) and to explain anything 
that to anyone may appear misterious. I cannot close this with- 
out expressing to you how much I am indebted to Mr. Pam- 
brun Mr. Herron and Mr. Hermatinger for the attention they 
have shown me. 

Should any American vessell come to the Columbia there will 
probably be on board and I think to be delivered to any British 
post some articles for me. The order which I gave if I recollect 
right comprised Books, seeds and clothing. Should such come to 
hand the seed you will consider for the benefit of the Country, 
and should be used to prevent loss. Books you will take for 
yourself and all other articles after one year from receipt if not 
otherwise ordered sell for the benefit of such persons as you deem 
most worthy of it. Will you allow me the priviledge of writing 
you from home. N J Wyeth 

Lxxrii. 

Inclosing copy of proposal contained in next letter. 

Fort Colville March 12th 1833 
Sir 

I am induced by gentlemen in this country to suppose that you 
would enter into some arrangement for a supply of goods and 
therefore send the enclosed proposal. I left the Boston in March 
last with 32 men with the intention of forming on the Columbia 



ri4] WYETH'S 0RF:00N P:XPEDITI0NS. 57 

or south of it [a post] for collecting furs and salmon to be sent to 
the States by vessells ordered therefrom such vessells to bring out 
the goods required for the trade. My plan was based on the fol- 
lowing grounds viz. that Salmon (worth in the States i6$ per 
Bbl. of 30 gallons) would pay all the expenses that goods intro- 
duced by this route would be entitled to the drawback and this 
would be a consideration as they are nearly all foreign to the 
States and being coarse pay a heavy duty, that the saving made in the 
purchase of horses here instead of at St. Louis is at least 25$ per 
head, that the danger of transporting this side of the mountains is 
infinitely less than on the other and the distance to the Fur 
country much less. In the first part of said undertaking I have 
completely failed. All my men have left me and what goods and 
valuables I had with me have been expended or deposited where 
they will probably be lost to me. I am now on my return to the 
States for the purpose of forming new arrangements to carr}' my 
original plan into execution. In case I make no arrangement 
with the Co. I shall if I arrive in Boston by the ist Nov. next 
come to the Columbia the following summer, if I arrive later I 
shall be delayed until the next. 

It appears to me that as an American I posses some advantage 
that an Englishman would not inasmuch as I can visit parts 
of the country from which he is excluded and still not so remote 
in point of distance difficulty or expense as from St. Louis. 

I have already lost largely from a capital at first small and am there- 
fore desirous to proceed on a more secure plan even if it should offer 
less prospect of profit. I have to observe that in case of agree- 
ment being made I will give surety satisfactory to the Co. for ful- 
filling any part of the same or if required will deposit in their 
hands a sufficient sum for the same purpose. The only objection 
to the latter would be the difference in the rate of interest in the 
states and with you. 

In case of an agreement for supply of goods the suppl}^ of men 
would still be a consideration. If men could come to this side of 
the Ry. Mts. as early as July a fall hunt might be made which is 
all that can be done from St. Louis. Canadians are to be had 
cheaper than Americans and are for some purposes better men. 
Their conveyance would not be so expensive as horses would be 
saved which cost 30$ at St. Louis and the same set of animals are 
fit for a full hunt. I would not wish more than 1 5 Canadians. 
These might be procured by myself or agent or furnished me 
by the Co. as they might elect and the residue of the men re- 
quired might be procured in the Mts. without the expense of 
bringing them into the country or learning them the ways of it. 
If no political dificulty exists there must be some advantage in us- 
ing a few Canadians. Should 5'ou deem it for the interest of the 
Co. to close with me an agreement not essentially different 
from the enclosed proposal you would much oblige me b}^ for- 



58 CORRKSPOXDRNXK: [115 

warding to my address care of Mess. Jarvis & Brown Merchants 
Baltimore Maryland a contract to the purpose which I will exe- 
cute and immediately proceed to fultill. I request this mode of 
proceedure because I will have but one month after my arrival at 
Boston to prepare for a voyage to the Columbia, in case of fail- 
ure of this negotiation w^ith the Co. 

To Geo Simson Rsq Gov. H. B. C. York Factorv 

Yrs &c N J W' 

Copy of the proposal enclosed in the two foregoing letters. 

I St The Hon. H.B. C. to furnish at their store at Vancouver to 
X.J .W. such goods as he may select at the same rate that the 
clerks of the said Co pay for the goods supplied them viz 50 pr ct 
on their original cost 

2d The said Co to lay no obstruction in the way of the said 
Wyeths trading at any post or place for provisions or animals to 
be used in his buisness or to his trading furs anywhere south of 
the Columbia and not within a 100 miles of their posts and gen- 
erally in matters indifferent to their interest to forward his views 
and operations and to give him such information as may be in 
their power and not inconsistent wdth their immediate interest 

3d The said Co to Cr the ace. of said Wyeth at the rate of $5 
for full Beavers and in proportion for kittens and yearlings and for 
all other furs and skins usually secured by the said Co. as mer- 
chandise at the same prop, to their markett value in London or 
wherever that Co. dispose of their furs as 5$ is to the markett 
value of the Beaver skin. 

4th The said Wyeth to deliver all Furs and skins of every de- 
scription of w^hich he may get possession to the Co. 

5th Said Wyeth to continue the arrangement for five years 
and in case of his not doing so to be bound not to do a Fur buis- 
ness in any country to which the H. B. Co. have access. 

6th In case said Wyeth faithfully performs this said agreement, 
then the H. B. Co. at the end of the time agreed on is to pay over 
to him an}' balance that may be due him in cash or goods as the 
said W. may elect and at all times he is entitled to claim from 
them in cash any balance which may be due him over and above 
$1000. 

I. XXIV. 

To Captain Bonneville of Salmon River June 22d 183-^. 
Sir 

I send you the following proposition for a mutual hunt in the 
country south of the Columbia river which I visited last autumn 
and winter. As to the prospect of Beaver there I will only say 
that I have no doubt of taking 300 skins fall and spring. As 
much sign as would give me this I have seen. I have little doubt 
much more might be found, but in that country a hunt cannot be 



Ii6] WYETH'vS OREGON EXPRDITIONvS. 59 

made with horses alone, boats must be used. I have obtained 
some maps of the country beside my own observations in it, and 
I have little doubt but I can make my way through it without 
guides, who cannot be procured. As this country' is distant an 
immediate answer is required. As it regards the mules[?] Horses 
would do but are by no means so good for grass in some places is 
very bad. If the number required is a very great objection g would 
do but goods enough to buy 3 more must be given in their stead. 
The men that are wanted must be good, peaceable and industrious, 
but need not be trappers. I would prefer good men who have 
not been more than one year in the country. In case of agree- 
ment being made you are to engage to deliver what letters I wish 
to send home, a boy about 13 5'ears old and about 25 lbs. sun- 
drys. The expenses of the boy in the States my brother in 
N. York will pay to whom he is to be delivered. The boy will 
have a mule to carr\' him. With so many animals as I have and 
so few men I cannot come to the forks and I think these Indi- 
ans will go no further than where in your route to Green River 
you strike the plain of the Three Butes. There I hope to see 
you and in case you acceed to the proposal, with all the things re- 
quired in it, this hunt to be for one year to meet you at your ren- 
dezvous of next year the furs to be equally divided between us 
and I to have the right to take mine at an}- time during the year 
},'Ourself to have the right to send a man to see to your interests — 

Proposition. 

To be furnished b}^ Mr B. To be furnished by Mr. Wyeth. 
9 men, armed, clothed for the ig horses 

year with saddles &c 3 mules 

12 mules 20 traps 
g skins dressed for making 3 men with myself 

boats 2 doz knives 

40 good traps i Lodge 

I doz files Cooking apparatus 

4 doz knives ver million. 

20 lbs tobacco fish Hooks a few sundr3''s. 

200 lbs grease, if possible 10 lbs powder and lead. 

3 bales Indian meat 14 pr. Horse shoes, 

a few small tools 4 pack saddles and Harness, 

3 axes 

12 pair Horse shoes (if you 
have them.) 

4 pack saddles and Harness. 
6 pair of lashes[?] 

25$ for cost of sundrys 

25 lbs. powder and lead with it. 

— said man to do dutv the same as the other men and to have no 



6o CORRESPONDEN'CE: [117 

other control than to secure j^our interest in the division of the 
skins. In case you are ready to make this arrangement you need 
make no doubt of mj'' being ready to enter at once on it except 
that in the mean time I loose m^- animals. 

You to have the libert}^ of sending a load of goods to pa}' off 
the men you furnish. All property at the risk of its owner, 
neither to be responsible for the debts of the othor. 

Yrs &c. 
[No signature.] 

I.XXV. 

[The words "Not Sent" are written across the face of the fol- 
lowing letter.] 

Head of T^ewis River July 4th 1S33 
Mess Joseph Baker & Son, Boston Masstts. 

Gent. Your politeness 
to me in the little intercourse I had with you in regard to 
my expedition hither must be my apology for troubling you with 
this. I hope you will not deem me impertinent interested in the 
information I send you. I tell you plainh' that all my prospects 
of doing any thing on the coast with no more means than I have 
still left of my own are at an end. I have traversed the countr\- 
in many directions and found all those places which [are] accessi- 
ble to shipping occupied or about to be so by the H. B. Co. who 
are efficient opponents. The salmon alone without the fur I 
deem doubtfull. Not that enough could not be traded of the na- 
tives by a vessell in the Columbia but when you trade fish 
of the Indians it is fresh to be sure but not fresh enough to salt 
for a long vo^^age. Fish to keep well must l)e salted immediateh- 
from the sceine. If the plan is to catch them ^-ourselves, I think 
it is at least as doubtfull possibiUiJty. It appears to me that the 
impression of the vast quantity of salmon in the Columbia arrises 
from not considering the vast number of Indians employed in 
catching what is seen. If each Indian catches three a day it 
would feed his family and still permit him to bring one along 
side, and this would give more salmon than would be requisite 
for a cargo but salmon would in this case be from 6 to 30 hours 
out of the water which is far too long in this warm climate. 

I shall return next year about the time that you receive this 
and probably endeavor to form some connection to carr}' on some 
buisness in this country. One years more experience here will 
enable me to speak with more confidence of the foregoing mat- 
ters. The mean time will be employed in a trapping expedition 
with 1 1 men south of the Columbia River. I intend to reach the 
vicinity of St. Francisco. I shall beg the honor of communica- 
ting with j'-ou on my return. I subjoin a list of the posts occu- 
pied or about to be so by the H. B. Co on this coast viz. an oc- 



ii8] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 6i 

casional post on the Umquoi River which is in latt. about 44 deg. 
Fort George or Astoria renewed in 1830 and to be kept up. One 
at Fraizers River which emtys into Pugetts Sound about 30 miles 
up. It is in contemplation to move this post to the coast and a lit- 
tle south of the mouth of the River. One to be established this 
year south of Nass. One already established at Nass. Also 4 
Bgs. and Schs. employed on the coast continuously. One to be 
established north of Nass this year. 

The loss of Capt. lyamberts Bg. I suppose you have already 
heard. The Active I have heard has gone to the Islands. I 
have found no means of sending any of the business letters with 
which you entrusted me. The family letters I gave to Capt 
McNeil now in the Cos. service to deliver if he fell in with 3'our 
vessells. I am yr. obt. servt. Nathl J Wyeth. 

LXXVI. 
Heads of Lewis River July 4th i832[3] 
Wm H. Boardman Esq. (Boston Masstts) 

Sir Having received from 
Capt. McNeil the accompanying letters I take the liberty of ad- 
dressing you. I shall return to the States about a year from the 
time you receive this and shall then beg the favour to wait on 
you with a letter of introduction from Capt. McNeil. It is not in 
my power to communicate any information which can be interest- 
ing to you other than what I presume is contained in the letter of 
Capt. McNeil, except a list of the posts established or about to be 
so and the vessells in the employ of the H. B. Co. on the N. W. 
coast. I beg you to believe that I have no interested views in 
communication I make. When I return I shall be able from a 
two ^j-ears experience in the country to form a judgement whether 
an}' thing can be done in it and shall then endeavour to form 
some connection to enable me to do it. Your acquaintance Mr. 
F. Tudor will give you any information respecting myself which 
you may desire. I was some years in his service and he knows 
me well. I am yr. obt. Servt. Nathl J Wyeth. 

Vz An occasional post at the Umquou River in I^att about 44 deg. 
" Fort George or Astoria renewed some time since 
" One 30 miles up Fraizers River which empty s into Pugetts 

Sound. 
This post will probably be removed to the Coast a little south of 

the river. 
One south of Nass to be established this year 
One at Nass, now established. 
One north of Nass to be established this year 
Kept continually on the coast, 
Your Bg Lima Capt McNeil 
Diyad [Dr^^ad] Bg. Capt. Kipling 
Cadboro Bg. Capt. Sinclair 
Vancouver sch. to be launched about May Cap. Duncan 



62 CORRESPONDRNCK: [119 

LXXVIl. 

[The words "Not Sent" are written across the face of the fol- 
lowing letter.] 

Heads of Lewis River July 4th 1S33 
F. Tudor Ksci- (Boston) 

Dear Sir Since my last from Vadcouver of 
Jany i6th I have by devious routes and with two men made my 
way to this place which is near the back bone of America and in 
lyatt 46 deg. some minutes. Excepting 6 weeks which were 
spent at Vancouver I have been continually on the march since I 
left you. I can now speak more freely of my circumstances than 
in my last. I have obtained enough furs to pay my expenses 
since I left home but the}^ are hidden in the country and I have 
not beeti able to make my way to them as yet. I remain here 
for this and other purposes one year more. I have recruited 9 
more men which makes me 1 2 in all and 34 Horses and mules. 
With these I shall make a hunt and p[e]rhaps obtain what furs 
I collected last year. In the progress of this years hunt I mean 
to go southward to near the vicinity of the Spanish settlements in 
Calafornia. If I am unsuccessful this is my last effort and how- 
ever disagreeable it may be I shall then return home, and solicit 
again the place which your generosity once honored me with. 
Strict necessity will only bring me to this. I beg you will excuse, 
you know my troubles and altho my course has l)een different 
from what you advised I trust that you will have lenity enough 
to excuse what you doubtless deem a weakness and perhaps truly 
(a man is no judge of his own maladies. ) 

In a letter to Mr. Wm H. Boardman Esq. I hinted that in case 
a farther experience should justify hopes of success in this coun- 
try, I should return with a view to form some connection to en- 
able me to pursue it. I refered him to you for a farther knowl- 
edge of myself. Allow me to suggest the same to yourself. In 
some of your last communications to me you hinted your inten- 
tion of quitting the Ice buisness. I hope you have not done so. 
It is a good permanent income to stand upon in case of dis[as]- 
trous speculations to which all are liable. I anticipate that you 
have realized much money from your coifee operations. I can- 
not see how you can fail of making some. Be assured if 
my wishes would avail anything you would make plenty. I am 
now writing in the open air. I am shivering with cold, badly 
clothed in skins. Here there is no wood to warm one [and] all 
nature seems clothed in gloom. Be assured I look back upon 
what and where I should have been, if but for one thing in great 
bitterness of spirit. Distance as you conjectured has brought no 
balm to the wounded mind and physical suffering has not allevi- 



i2o] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 63 

a ted the mental, nevertheless my perse verence (or obstinacy as 
you please to term it ) is not worn out, and if things go bad the 
determination to make them go better is not the less. My health 
is nearly the same as when with you. The bad food and starva- 
tion of this country does not agree well with me. I am starting 
in a dangerous route in case the worst should happen my best 
wishes are that your prosperity and happiness may be in propor- 
tion to your talent and perseverence in buisness and your kind- 
ness and favor to myself in better days more I cannot wish you. 
Be pleased to give my respects to Mr. Gordon. 

I am yr. obliged and obt servt. Nathl J Wyeth 

LXXVIII. 

["Not Sent" written across the face.] 

Heads of Lewis River July 4th 1833 
Mess. Tucker & Williams and Henrs^ Hall Esq, (Boston Masstts) 
Gent. Since mine of i6th Jany last I have made my way to 
this place but without being able to obtain my deposites of furs 
or goods. I have however been able to raise 9 more men making 
a party now of 12 with 34 horses and mules. With these I shall 
make a hunt, and probably reach to near the Spanish settlement 
of St. Francisco, and on my return obtain my last years deposites 
of furs &c. All this if I do not loose mj- scalp. If no such acci- 
dent happens you will see me about one year from the time that 
you receive this. In the mean time no orders will come to you 
from me. The requisite amt. of furs I have collected, but the}' 
are not at accessible places, neither do I deem the buisness of the 
coast of such certain issue as to induce me to risk bringing out a 
vessell. The whole coast as far as furs are concerned is taken up 
by the H.B.Co. iVs to Salmon those of the Columbia only are 
superior. A sufficient quan[ti]ty of these could be traded but when 
you trade a salmon it is from 6 to 30 hours old which is to[o] old 
in this warm climate to salt well. It is true it will keep, but sal- 
mon badly cured is a common article, and will bring but a small 
price. I am quite sure that traded salmon could not be cured so 
as to be first rate and others would hardly pay sending home. To 
catch them is a matter that requires much knowledge. The In- 
dian mode is too slow. Several good fisherys would be requisite 
for the sufficient and speedy supply of a vesseel. I should not 
venture on the latter mode without myself coming home and put- 
ting up the requisite materials and implements for the buisness 
beside I think as all my men have left me and in future I should 
have the responsibility of wages to men, it would be more pru- 
dent to form a connection if possible and avoid a liability to which 
my own means are not adequate. 

I remain Gent, your obt. Servt Nathl J. WVeth 



64 CORRKSPOXDRNX'K: [121 

LXXIX. 

["Not Sent" written across the face.] 

Heads of Lewis River July 4th 18,^3 
Brother Leonard (New York) 

While I ara shivering with the cold 
without wood and nothing but a few skins to cover my naked- 
ness you are probably enjoying the festivities of the day with 
your wife and litttle ones at your side. To think of those things 
gives me the blue Devils. Time has not rid me of these and 
physical suifering has not lessened the mental but rather points my 
mind to the cause. If I can still as of old sing "Heave care oerside 
&c"it is rather in obstinacy than in truth or perhaps is more like a 
good dinner & wine thrown back from a gorged stomach. I drew 
on you from Colville for about $100. In the letter in which I 
advised you of it I could not well apologize for the liberty that I 
took as I knew it would be examined. If you knew my neces- 
sitys I believe you would not ask the reason of my drawing on 
you without funds. If you will reccollect I left the land which I 
bought of Harvd Colledge under mortgage. This will be due 
two years from last March. On this land I have paid $500. My 
pride is much concerned in keeping it and my necessity's from the 
world. Should I not return in time to make arrangements my- 
self, I beg you to enable Mr. Brown to defer payment by remortg- 
aging it. A farther payment of $500 would certainly enable him 
to do this and perhaps he can without any further payt. I shall 
write Charles to the same effect. That you will do it between 
you is my only dependence, and consider that there are enough 
things to mortif^^ me without such an experience as the failure of 
this would subject me to, still do not for me go farther than 
your duty to your-self and family will admit of. I am alone in 
the world and if my misfortunes are heavy, there is but one to 
bear them, I wish not to drag others into them. As it regards 
my buisness in this country what I have done I have done mostly 
without help. The furs I have got would in all if in the states pay 
my expenses but they are deposited in the earth in remote places 
where I was obliged to leave them for want of animals and it is 
a chance if I am able ever to get them. I shall give no orders 
under the contract for which you are security and I hope you 
will consider this in the matter of the land mentioned above. I 
have with much exertion recruited my party to 12 men my- 
self included and 34 animals and shall make a years hunt and 
endeavour to obtain some of my furs of last year in the progress 
of this hunt. I shall go southward as far as the vicinity of St. 
Francisco in New Calafornia and if no accident happens to me and 
there is a possibility of so doing I shall be with you about a year 
from the time that you receive this. The enterprise I am upon 
is a dangerous one but I trust to rav usual good luck to bear me 



122] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 65 

through. Should I give a letter of introduction to you to any 
one connected with the Fur trade I wish you would not inform 
them whether I am worth any thing or not as it is not for my in- 
terest that they should suppose that they have an inefficient op- 
ponent. Let them infer what they please but at the same time 
extend to them as much hospitality as you possibly can. Reccol- 
lect that I have already drawn largely on theirs and am con- 
tinually exposed to do the same again and do not be startled at 
any difference of manners and appearance reccollect that they have 
been educated with the Bears of the wilderness. Remember me 
affectionately to your wife and the little ones and believe that I 
reccollect you as often as I have occasion for your kindness, as 
you may well infer from my drafts on your cash, and I hope that 
you will do me the credit of doing so at other times. My health 
[is] much the same as when I was at home. I send you a Boy. 
Please send him to my wife and pay what expenses are incurred 
on him to vour place. I am vour affte Bro. 

Nath. J Wyeth 

LXXX. 

["Not Sent" written across the face.] 

Heads of Lewis River July 4th 1833 
Bro. Charles (Baltimore) 

I hope that today you are better off than 
myself. I hope you are in peace of mind and content enjoying 
with your friends and family the festivities of the day and I hope 
you have a thought too of me. Imagine to yourself a fellow seat- 
ed on the open and extensive prairie beside a little brook without 
a lire in freezing weather and poorly clad in skins with plenty of 
poor raw dried buffaloe meat and you see Nat. A meeting with 
Mr. Bonneville gives me the power to make up jointty wnth him 
a party for a hunt for this season. I shall not come home this year. 
My party is 12 in number with myself and 34 animals. With 
these I shall go southward to the vicinity of St. Francisco in 
New Calafornia. Since I have been in the country I have col- 
lected Furs enough to pay my expenses but they are deposited in 
such places as render it at least doubtful if ever I see them again. 
They were left for want of horses to carry them. This and other 
matters relating to my being worth property or not please not to 
communicate to any one connected with the Fur trade even if he 
come with a letter from me. If they find out my true circum- 
stances let it be by their own wits. It is not my interest that 
they sup[p]ose me worth nothing, at the same time should I give 
a letter of introduction to any of them have the goodness to ex- 
tend as much hospitality to them as you can. Keep in mind that 
in this countr}^ I am continually liable to receive it from them 
and that I have already received much. Your bond for the fulfil- 



66 CORRESPONDENCH: [123 

ment of a contract with Mess Tucker and Williams you may now 
consider a dead letter. I shall make no use of the contract with 
them at least until I see j'ou. I have a request to ask of you and 
Leonard jointly. It is that 3^011 would enable Mr Brown to defer 
the payment to Harvd Colledg-e for the land I bought of them. 
It becomes due two years from last March. I have paid 500$ on 
this land a farther payt. of 500$ would undoubtedly enable him 
to remortgage it. My pride has but little to cling to now save it 
I beg of you in this respect. If I return as I expect in about one 
year from the time you receive this I can arrange the matter m>'- 
self. But there is so much [doubt] of my being able to do so 
that I deem it requisite to make the above request at this time. 
Please give my affectionate respects to your lady and little ones. 

Yr afte Bro. X. J. W. 

LXXXI. 

[/'Not Sent" written across the face.] 

Heads of Lewis River July 4th 1833 
Leond. Jarvis Ksq. (Baltimore) 

Dear Uncle, Since my last of i6tb 
J any from Fort Vancouver I have made my wa}"- so far across the 
land with two men but have not been able to go to the places 
where my furs of last year are deposited. Circumstances now en- 
able me to raise a small party of men with which to try again if 
any thing can ])e made in this countr\\ My scituation is here far 
from l>eing comfortable. Since my last I have seen some suffer- 
ing and this year I shall probably see much more and with so 
small a party there is some danger. Since I have been in the 
country- I have caught furs enough to pay all of my expenses if 
they were in the States but I do not much expect to be able to 
get them without as much trouble and expense as would be re- 
quired to catch as many more and for this purpose I am about 
starting for a hunt to the southward of the Columbia River. In 
the course of this hunt I shall probably go to near the vSpanish 
settlement of St. Francisco in New Calafornia. About a year 
from the time you receive this you may expect to see me in your 
city. I think there is a good chance to make money in this coun- 
try. A good hunter can take an average of 1 20 skins in a year 
these are worth in Boston alx)ut $1000. Such hunters can be 
hired for about 400$ payable in goods at an average of 600 per ct 
profit. The animals to do the buisness of a camp cost here about 
4$ in goods prime cost in Boston or N. York. A band of 20 
hunters require about 10 men for the various buisness of the 
camp. These with transportation horses $3300 for these men do 
not take all their pay in goods. The Hunters do not actually 
cost more than 2000$. This as you will perceive will leave a 
large profit. I am certain that had I the means now here I could 



124] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 67 

do as well as this. All the means that I have with me and avail- 
able onl}^ enable me to fit out a partj^ of 12 men and 34 horses 
and mules. This party is one half mine and one half Mr Bone- 
villes and myself am to lead it and take one half of the skins. The 
result of this party will show whether my calculation above giv - 
en is correct and if so will enable me to follow the buisness. If it 
proves otherwise I shall give it all up and come home and per- 
haps remain there. I have made a proposal to the Hon. H. B. 
Co. and requested them to direct their answer to your care. Will 
you have the goodness to open their letter and write them that 
for reasons above stated I am not with you to do so myself. Say 
to them that I am on a hunting excursion and will stop at some 
of their posts where by means of their general letter to the win- 
tering partners I shall find if it is accepted and in such case I will 
hand over the proceeds of my hunt to meet the requisitions of the 
contract, but in fault of finding such information shall proceed to 
the x\merican rendezvous in the Mts. where b}^ 5'our tfleans I will 
get their answer and act accordingly. Will you also have the 
goodness to send me a copy of their answer and contract if one is 
sent not the original as the appearance of it would procure its 
being stoped by some interested trader. This 3^ou can do by send- 
ing the letters to Mess. Von Pool and McGil or Mr. E. E. March 
of St. Eouis with a request that they will place the letters in 
such hands as they will reach the rendezvous of the Americans in 
the mountains. If all this is to[o] much trouble as I much fear 
please make this request over to Charles. Please give my re- 
spects to my good aunt. I am yr aft Nephew N. J. Wyeth 

LXXXII. 

Heads of Lewis River July 4th 1833 
Mr. Thomas Nuttall (Cambridge) 

Dear Sir I have sent through 
my brother Leond of N. York a package of plants collected in the 
interior and on the western coast of America somewhere about 
Eatt. 46 deg. I am afraid they will be of little value to you. The 
rain has been so constant where I have been gathering them that 
they have lost their colors in some cases, and they will be liable 
to further accident on their route home. 

I shall remain here one more year. You if in Camb. may ex- 
pect to see me in about one year from the time you receive this. 
I shall then ask you if you will follow another expedition to this 
country in pursuit of your science. The cost would be less than 
living at home. 

I have several times attempted to preserve birds to send you 
but have failed from the moisture and warmth. Excuse the 
shortness of this as I have many letters to write and little time 
to do it in. 

Resplv Yr. obt. servt. Nathl. J W^-eth 



68 CORRESPONDENCK: [125 

P. S. By the notes on the paper m}' journal will show the 
place from which the plant comes if kept in its proper sheet until 
I come home. 

LXXXIIL 

["This letter sent by Mr Ermatinger" written across the face.] 

Plain of the Three Butes July 5th 5833 
Dear Sir 

Haviui^ arr[i]v^ed at the camp of Mr, Bonneville I take the lib- 
erty Lofi writing you by this last opportunity to express how much 
I am under obligation to Mr. Ermatinger for the polite and agree- 
able manner in which he has dispensed your hospitality to me 
during the whole route. 

I am here in a direct train for the States, and cannot without 
some extraordinary accident fail of reaching home in Oct. next. 
Should you visit the states I would feel myself highly honored by 
a visit or any intercourse which might he agreeable to you for 
which purpose I have enclosed my direction. vShould any of 
your friends visit the States a letter would procure them any at- 
tention which may \ye in my power. It will be a pleasure to exe- 
cute any buisness commands with which you may entrust me. 
Models of Agricultural implements, seeds and other matters 
connected with your tastes or buisness. 

' Resply. yr. obt. Servt. Xathl. J. Wyeth 

To Doct. McEaughland Fort Vancouver. 

LXXXIV. 

Heads of Green River July 1 8th 1833 
Mess. Yon Phul & McGill 

Gent The enclosed draft by Mess. Bon- 
neville & Co. $366.66 I desire you will collect of the Bearer Mr. 
C. Cerri. If not paid b3' him at sight, please forward it for col- 
lection to Mr Eeond. I. Wyeth of the firm of Cripps & Wyeth lace 
goods dealers New York and oblige 

Yr. Obt. Ser^'t. Nathl. J. Wyeth. 

LXXXV. 

Green River Julv i8th 1833 
Mr John Ball 

Dear Sir I write to inform you that my agents at 
Boston have sent to the care of Mess Bringsmade Ladd and 
Hooper of the Sandwich Islands two trunk and some letters for 
you from thence they will be forwarded to the Columbia River 
by the first opportunity. I return home by the Yellowstone and 
Missouri in boats. I am Yr Obt vServt Xath J Wyeth. 



126] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. . 69 

LXXXVI. 

Green River July i8th 1833 
Mr F. Ermatinger 

Dear Sir I arrived here on the i6th 9 daj's 
from your camp Saw no Indians but saw the bones of Mr More 
killed by the Blkfeet last year and buried them. He was one of 
my men who left me in Pier[r]es Hole last year. A Mr Nudd 
was also killed by them. All the rest arrived well in the 
States. I found here about 250 whites. A list of the Cos. 
and their Beaver which I have seen I subjoin. I should 
have been proud of my countrymen if 3^ou could have 
seen the American Fur Co. or the party of Mr. S. Campbell. 
For efficiency of goods, men, animals and arms, I do not 
believe the fur business has afforded a better example or 
discipline. I have sold my animals and shall ,make a boat and 
float down the Yellowstone and Missouri and see what the world 
is made of there. Mr. Wm Sublette and Mr Campbell have come 
up the Missouri and established a trading fort at each location of 
the posts of the Am. Fur Co. with a view to a strong oppo- 
sition. Good luck to their quarrels. I have got letters from the 
vStates. The chief news are that the cholera Morbus has swept 
through them killing 5000 people in N York and in proportion 
elsewhere. Genl. Jackson president an insurrection in the South- 
ern States on ace. of the Tariff but quelled by Bloc[k]ading their 
ports and the repeal of the most obnoxious parts of the same. 
About 25 Americans have been killed during the last year. A 
Snake village is here with us. I find Bonnevilles connections are 
responsible [A statement that he has a draft from B. for horses 
follows but is crossed out.] he being very short of them. He 
lost one entire party among the Crows that is the Horses 
and of course all the Beavers. A party under Bridger and 
Frapp also lost their horses by the Aricarees, also Harris 
party lost theirs by the same Inds. who have taken a perma- 
nent residence on the Platte and left the Missouri which is 
the reason I go b}' the last named river. Harris party 
did not interfere with any of my plans south of Snake River. 

In my opinion you would have been Robbed of your goods and 
Beaver if j^ou had come here altho it is the west side of the 
Mts. for Green River emtys into the head of the Gulph of Cala- 
fornia. I give you this as an honest opinion which you can 
communicate to the Co. There is here a great majority of Scoun- 
drels. I should much doubt the personal safet5' of any one from 
your side of the house. 

My Respects to Mr. Payette and believe me yr. sincere friend 

Nathl J. Wyeth. 

Drips and Fontenelle arrd July 8th 160 men a good supply 
of animals. (3btained 51 packs of 100 lbs ea. Beaver. 



^o CORRKSPONDKNXE;: [127 

Rockj' Mtn.Fur Co. 55 packs 55 men well supplied one party 
not in Beaver sent home by Mr. Campbell. 

Mess. Bonneville & Co. 22V2 packs. Few goods few horses 
and poor Capt. Cerry goes home B. remains. 

Harris party now in hand 7 packs Beaver and are on foot. 

Lxxxvri. 

I^ibertv'" 29th Sept. 1833 
M r Wiggin Abbot (Kxpected from the upper Missouri soon) 

I leave in charge of Mr Samuel some cloths for you. He will 
also supply you with money sufficient to come to the eastward 
and for other necessary expenses. I hope to see you soon and 
remain Yrs &c 

[No signature.] 

P. S. When you arrive at Baltimore call on W'yeth and Xor- 
ris for me. 

I.XXXVIII. 

Liberty vSept 29th 1S33 
Dear Sir (E. M. vSamuel) 

(Present) As it is my presetit intention to return 
across the mountains to the Columbia the next Spring I deem it 
requisite to open some arrangement for the purchase of the nece s 
sary outfits so far as horses harness and men. I wish to know 
what is requisite in order that 3'ou commence the prosecution of 
the above. Do you require a remittance or will you draw drafts 
as fast as disbursements are required? The amt. of responsibility 
will be from 3 to 4000^. An answer to the above I shall receive 
in Baltimore to the care of Mess. Wyeth & Norris. 

I further request that Wiggin Abbot may be supplyed with money 
to pay his expenses to Boston. He will come down the river with 
Mr Sublette and is directed to call on you. I also request that 
the suit in regard to the notes which Capt. Hill alledges I gave 
him may be defended. For all expenses which you may incur 
please draw on Chas Wveth directed as above. 

Yrs. &c N. J. W. 

LXXXIX. 

Steam Boat Oct. 4th 1833 
Dear Sir. 

W^hen at the Station above I paid the small draft which I 
had before given Doct. Fellows on you. 

I leave with this at Mr Aliens a small ]>undle of clothes for 
Abbot. 

Yrs &c N.J. W. 
To E. M. Samuel F:sq Liberty Mo. 

P. S. Mr Aull sayn he is willing to swear that Johnson when 
he brought him the note in question expressed himself uncertain 



128] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 71 

when he got it also that he saw the freight paid. Could not the 
testimony be used? 

XC. 

Steam Boat Mo. River Nov. 4th[Oct. 4th] 1833 
Fred. Tudor Esq. (Boston) 

Dear Sir Since my last from Colm. River 
of Jany i6th, I have made my way to this place on boat below 
Fort Ivcavenworth and make haste to inform you of the same. I 
shall probably stop a few days in Balto. Philad. and N York and 
will not probably arrive at home sooner than the lOthNov. Expect- 
ing so soon to see you there is little to write further than to say 
that I have arrived in good health and spirits, and that nothing 
w^ould give me more pleasure than to receive a letter from you 
at Baltimore. Should you have any buisness to transact on my 
route to Boston I should be glad to serve you in any way you 
may direct. 

[No signature.] 

XCI. 

Steam Boat Mo. River Oct 4th 1833 
Mess. Tucker & Williams and HenrA^ Hall Esq. (Boston) 

Gent. I write merely to apprise you of my arrival so far as 
this. I shall be in Boston about the loth next month when I 
shall be able to confer [on] matters of buisness [better] than by 
letter. I receiv^ed your letter of 19th Dec. t833[2] through Mr 
Sublette on the heads of the Colorado of the West, and can hard- 
ly express the pleasure that it gave me. 

Yrs &c N. J. W. 

XCII. 

St. Eouis Oct. 9th 1833 
Mr. E. M. Samuel, ( Eiberty Missouri Enclosing his order on Ed. 
Tracy of St. Eouis for 200$) 

Dear Sir I arrived here to day. Above 
you have your order for 200^ not used. I shall put the buisness 
of the counterfeit note into the hands of one of the gentlemen 
named in your memo. 

My respects to your good lady and Mr. More and my thanks to 
yourself for the many attentions you have showni me 

I am yr obt. Servt. N. J. W. 

XCIII. 

St. Louis Oct. 9th 1833 
Mr. M. G. Sublette (at St. Louis) Dear Sir 

According to prom- 
ise I write but can say nothing farther than when with you. You 
may depend on the contract or the bond, and you will hear from 
me within 9 weeks stating possitively which. I Iqgve this place 



72 CORRESPONDENCE: [129 

for Louisville to morrow and shall write you directed to the Post of- 
fice here. If j^ou write to me direct to Cambridge Masstts care of 
Mr.Jas. Brown. 

Yr Obt Ser\^t. N. J. W. 
XCIV. 

St Louis Oct 9th 1833 
Mr M. G. Sublette (Left at TownsL?] Hotel St Louis) 
You will find a letter in the Post Office for vou. 
Yrs &c X. J. \\\ 

xcv. 

Cincinati Oct 17th 1^33 
(To Genl. Harrison ) 

(present) vSir The enclosed I received from your 
son on the Big Horn. I met him on Green River on the Color- 
ado of the West and was with him some 20 days. He is in good 
health and told me that he should remain in the Indian countr\' 
through the winter. He has taken an outfit from Fitzpatric & 
Co of some few horses and men for the trapping buisness. 

It would have afforded me much pleasure to have delivered the 
note in person but haste prevents. 

&c X. J. W. 
XCV I. 

Baltimore Oct 2it]i 1S33 
Sir (London) 

In answer to a letter which I wrote to you from Fort 
Colvill dated March 12th 1S33I received information that the said 
letter had been transmitted to you. I request that an answer may 
l)e sent to Mess Cripps & Wyeth Merchts X. York which will 
be in season as I arrived too late to proceed to the Columbia by 
vessell this year. 

I have made a contract for the delivery of a quantity of goods 
to Mr. Sublette and Mr. Fitzpatric partners under the stile of 
the Rock}^ Mountains Fur Co. Shou[l]d 3'our Co. make the 
agreement which I propose I would fulfil the contract with the 
R. M. F. Co. goods from the States and hand over the furs re- 
ceived at Walla walla or Vancouver and the furs so delivered to 
be in lieu of the security which is proposed in my letter to 3'ou as 
above. 

(To Geo Simson Esq. or the Gov. or Agent of the Hon. Hud- 
sons Bay Co. London) 

I am yr. obt. Servt. Xath J Wyeth 

XCVII. 

Baltimore Oct 26th 1S33 
Bro. Leond. (Xew York) 

Will you have the goodness to call[on] 
Mr. Alfred Seaton and ask him if in case two small drafts made 



i3o] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 73 

b}' Bonneville & Co. aint. about $416 and which on my arrival at 
St. Louis I left for presentment to Mr.Cerry who brings down the 
returns of said Co. are not paid by said Cerry if he will pay the 
same. These drafts we[re] drawn on Mr Seaton and others at 
60 days sight provided Mr Cerr^^ did not elect to pay them 
at St.L,ouis at sight. 

I shall await here the arrival of Charles, if I do not get notice 
from him that, he will remain long enough to see him in N.York. 
The enclosed letter I wish sent to England b}' the first convers- 
ance and if you think proper you can direct to the care of Mr 
Cripps or any one who will see it delivered as I am not quite cer- 
tain of the direction. Please seal it 

Yrs &c N. J. W. 

XCVIII. 

Baltimore Oct. 27th 1S33 
Mr.Wm. H. Boardman (Boston) 

Sir Having to wait here a few dar'^s I 
enclose two letters which I received from Capt. McNeil on the 
Columbia. On my arrival I will do my self the pleasure to call on 
vou with a letter of introduction from Capt. McNeil 

I am &c N. J. W. 

XCIX. 

Baltimore Oct 28th 1S33 
Old Jonas 

On board the Bg. Calo[?] Capt. Percival you will find 2 
Indians one Trunk one rifle pair Elk Horns pacage of papers 
small bundle of cloths which please deliver at my house. The 
freight and passage is paid. She will sail about the ist Nov. 
vShall be with vou soon and am 

Yrs &c Nathl J Wyeth 

C. 

Cambridge Nov. 8th 1833 
Mr Henry Hall and Mess Tucker and Williams 

Gent. In order to understand 
the nature of that branch of the Fur trade in which I propose to 
operate I deem it requisite to eater into a short account of its size 
and progress. The statements which I shall make are such as I 
have heard and am confident are in the main true, but I do not 
pledge my self that every circumstance is so but only that I have 
heard them and believe them to be so and that the inferences are 
such as my best attention to the subject warrant. 

About 1 2 years since Mr Wm H. Ashley engaged in the Indian 
trade essaying by various means to obtain furs. At the time he 
engaged in this undertaking he was bankrupt, but was a person 
of credit, which enabled him to get the requisite means. His first 
attempts were predicated vipon the possibility of trading furs from 



74 CORRESPONDKNCE: [131 

the Indians in the interior for goods. In this he was not success- 
ful, and in the event became much reduced in means, and credit, 
but in the course of this buisness perceived that there was plentA' 
of Beaver in the country to which he had resorted for trade, but 
great difficulty to induce the Indians to catch it. After many 
tr}'als of trading voyages he converted his trading parties into 
trapping parties. In the first establishment of this buisness he 
met with all the usual difficulties incident to new plans but still 
made something. About this time a Mr. Gardner one of his agents 
met a Mr. Ogden clerk of the H. K. Co. in the Snake Country at 
the head of a trapping party. Gardner induced the men of Og- 
dens party to desert by promises of supplyes, and good prices for 
furs. The furs thus obtained amounted to about 130 packs or 
13000 lbs. worth at that time about $75000. The following year 
Ashley sold out to Smith Sublette & Jackson for about ,$30000 
and left the buisness, after paying up his old debts, worth about 
50000$. Smith Sublette & Jackson continued the buisness until 1829 
and sold out to Milton Sublette Frapp Jervais Bridger and Thomas 
Fitzpatric, and in the stile of the Rocky Mountain Fur Co. for 
30000$, dividing among them about 60000$ for I think three 5'ears 
buisness. This last firm has continued the buisness since have 
paid the purchase money and have cleared their stock of goods 
and animals requisite for the buisness in the country but not be- 
ing buisness men and unknown where the goods are to be bought 
have been dependent upon others fortheirsupLpJliesfor which they 
have paid enormously to Mr.Wm. L.Sublette brother to a member 
of their firm. They have been together three years and have 
made two returns amounting to 210 packs of furs, value nett 
about 80000$ and received two outfits of goods, first cost about 
6000$ for which the}' have paid about 30000$ and for returning 
their furs about 8000$ leaving them after paying the first purchase 
about 12000$ some of which must be due to men who have not 
received their pay in goods leaving them with little property ex- 
cept their Horses Mules and Traps and a few goods, and un- 
available property-. 

Since the commencement of this species of buisness severall 
persons have attempted it, but all are now out of the way except 
Mess Dripps & Fontenelle fitted out by the Am. Fur Co. 
and Mess. Bonneville & Co. fitted out by men in New York. 
Neither of these last named Companies as far as I can ascertain 
have made money to any great extent, owing to enormous prices 
paid for goods. The country to which these parties resort is ex- 
tensive and there is plenty of room for them and many more, and if 
they made a little money, I do think if proper means are used that 
much could be made. After this short account of the present 
state of the buisness i proceed to sum up the expense of conduct- 
ing it, as it is now done, in order to shew where a saving mav be 



132] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 75 

made. I shall omit saying any thing about duties on coarse 
woolens and other goods, used in this trade, which have to be 
paid when goods are sent by waj^ of St. Louis and which may be 
saved when sent around the Horn. 

The dry goods for an overland trip are best found in New York 
and the other articles in St. Louis. A small charge must be ad- 
ded for transport to St. Louis for those bought in N.York, say on 
4000 lbs. including 

Ins. & Sundrys $ 160.00 

Baling of the above and Sundrys bought at St. Louis.. 100.00 

50 pack saddles and 50 Riding Do 250.00 

Hobbles and Halters for 100 animals 1 50.00 

Shoeing for 100 animals 50.00 

Corn and sundry for Horses 50.09 

Saddle Blankets 100.00 

50 men for 5 months at 15 per month 3750.00 

Provisions to Bufifaloe 100.00 

Pack covers 50.00 

Am[m]unition 100.00 

100 animals 3000.00 

Guns 300.00 

First cost of goods 3000.00 

vSix months interest on all charges except wages 222.00 



11382.00 

being the Cost of transporting goods (including the first cost) of 
the value of $3000 from St. Louis to the Trois Titons Long 1 10 
deg. west Latt. about 43, Air line distance 900 miles. 

In making an estimate of the cost of transporting the same 
amt. of goods from the head of navigation on the Columbia I 
shall make the difference in time and force required which from 
some knowledge I think just and also cost of Harness and 
Horses. 

50 pack Saddles and 15 riding do to be bought of the 

Inds for about 25 cts. ea in goods 17.00 

Halters and Hobbles for 65 animals 17.00 

Buffaloes for blkts 30.00 

1 5 men for 4 months at 1 5 per month 900.00 

Provisions 100.00 

Pack covers 50.00 

Amunition 25.00 

Guns 90.00 

65 animals at $5 ea 325.00 

F'irst cost of goods 3000.00 

$4554.00 



76 CORRESPONDENCE: [133 

Interest for 10 months on all charges except wages of 

men 182.00 

$4736.00 
being a difference of $6646.00 in fav of transporting goods from 
the first rapids on the Columbia to the Trois Titons Long no 
deg. west, Latt. 43deg X. (and 400 miles air line) over and above 
vSt. Louis. 

I have assumed a calculation of $3000.00 because I have con- 
tracted to supply that amt. of goods as per the enclosed copy of 
contract and not because it is all that is required for the interior. 
The amt. now consumed in the section of country with which I 
am conversant is about 12000.00$ first cost in N York. Wheth- 
er in the end I could supply all goods wanted may l>e a question 
and of which you can j udge as well as myself, but that men can 
be employed to trap beaver and paid as far as their wants require in 
goods the same as is now done I feel not the least doubt and to 
almost any extent, and that it can be done to a profit is proved 
by the fact that the buisness is one of great profit even as it is 
now conducted from St. Louis. 

I shall now detail what I think may be done in order to get 
the goods wanted to the Columbia and the Furs home in such 
manner as that no part of the expense of the vessell maj' be 
charged to them. Salmon have been brought from the Columbia 
to Boston and I think sold for about $16 per bbl. but I believe in 
not the best order which I suppose arose from their having been 
caught too long before they were salted. This I was told by 
persons who saw them put up. And if salmon are traded from 
the Indians there will always be some difficulty in this respect, 
but if salmon will bring $12 per bbl. they will pay all the ex- 
penses of the vessell and leave a large allowance for the expenses 
of the post, at which they are caught. I make no doubt that 
enough could be taken when once the proper mode is adopted, 
but I have not been on the Columbia below the first rapids in the 
vSalmon season, and should feel doubtfull as to the expediency of 
ordering out a vessell before I have made a thorough examination 
at the proper time of year. While there last winter I sounded 
the bottom to ascertain [the] depth on the fishing grounds and if 
the bottom was clear of snaggs and rocks and found it favorable. 
I have every confidence when the proper mode is known and 
adopted that this branch of the buisness will pay all the expenses 
of the vessell and leave the fur trade free from all charges in the 
shape of freight. The prominent advantages of supplying my 
own or the trapping parties of other concerns from the Pacific 
instead of vSt. Louis are saf[e]ty of the country traversed, and con- 
sequent solving of men, shortness of distance, and low price and 
abundance of Horses on the Columbia. The latter circum- 
stance alone would enable any compans' doing their buisness by 



134] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 77 

that route to make a proffit equal to all expenses of transporting. 
The Horses in the mountains are brought from St. lyouis chiefly, 
and cost about $30, and when 5^ou consider that a trapping 
party uses 3 at least to a man this alone is a large and con- 
tinual saving in the buisness. 

I will now proceed to state what I propose to do if I can find the 
means, and for the security of such persons as shall furnish me, I 
can give such names as I believe would be satisfactory. These 
names I will bring forward at the proper time. The enclosed 
contract was made with Mr. Fitzpatric and Mr. Sublette of the 
Rocky Mountain Fur Co. when I was in doubt whether I would 
be able to perform it but knew I would be able to pay the de- 
fault. The contract as you will perceive will amt. to little more 
than carrying me into the Indian country free of expense and 
procuring the buisness of a verj' efficient concern, in this light I 
hold it to be valuable. 

I propose to fulfill this contract. This done if the Rocky 
Mountain Fur Co will sell me their remaining furs at such rate 
as I can make money or will pay me for transporting them to St. 
Louis I will fit out a party sufficient to send them down with all 
other furs then on hand. That the}' will do so I believe because 
if I supply them with goods no other party will be there to do it, 
and they will not have the means of doing it themselves in the 
country. If they should not do so, then I will proceed to a safe 
country on the Columbia River where some furs may be traded 
and there leave them with a few men leaving some men and a 
trusty person to keep them and trade as many more as he can. 
The residue of my party (their apparatus having been brought out 
at the same time with Sublettes goods) will be emploj^ed in the 
trapping buisness. During the last of the salmon season of 1834 I 
will be on the Columbia in order to see in what mode the Salmon may 
be taken in such quantity as will do for a vessell and also endeav- 
or to make returns by some vessell that may happen to be there. 
If no such opportunity should occur then the furs must either re- 
main in the country until a vessell can come out to receive them such 
vessell bringing apparatus salt bbls. &c for taking home a cargo of 
salmon and bringing also goods to supply the parties or when the 
first outfit is exhausted the whole return, and afterwards com- 
mence the undertaking by sea. In the mean time a proposal has 
been made to the H. B. Co. to supply goods in the country and 
receive the furs as per the enclosed copy of proposition.* Should I 
have no partners in this buisness I might in case of their [H.B.Co's] 
acceding to it deem it for my interest to close with them, if I had part- 
ners I should probably not. Should you agree to give me the requi- 
site supplys and I should afterwards close with them then 3'ou 
shall be entitled to your commissions the same as though the af- 



*See copy of proposition in connection with No. LXXIII, p. 58. 



yS CORRESPONDENCE: [i35 

fairs passed through your hands. Should you join me as part- 
ners you will of course exercise your judgement in regard to 
it, but I have no expectations that the Co. will accede to it and 
made it with a view to get their ideas on the subject as much as 
with any expectation that they would close with me. 

In case you agree to supply me for commissions and Interest 
the amt. wanted will not be far from 8 to 10,000$ and wanted 
some b}' the first of January and from that to ist March and in 
any case the cash would be required at the same period but the 
amt might be varied if 5^ou took partnership according to your 
views but I deem the smallest investment the best u:itiJ more ex- 
perience is obtained. 

I will in conclusion observe that I consider all the coast and 
country North of the Columbia completely occupied b^' the luig- 
lish, and all east of the mountains by the Americans. From these 
countrys I expect nothing, but all that country lying south of 
the Lewis Fork of the Columbia and west of the mountains as far 
south as the settled parts of the Mexican territorj^ is j-et unex- 
plored or nearly so. Into this section of country I have been, 
and have myself taken more than a pack of beaver in less than a 
month, and the furs of this region are excellent from their color, 
and goodness, and without doubt are reasonably abundant. 
One reason why this countrv' has l)een so much neglected is that 
in it there are no Buffaloe, and hunters cannot live in the luxury 
that they like. Still with good economy food enough may be found 
from the beaver. Elk, deer, and goat, of which there are some. Ot- 
ter are plenty and good. Furs in this countrj^ would be good ex- 
cept about three months in the summer and by approaching the 
sea coast where the climate is warmer the hunt might continue 
all winter and thus add a great amt. to the years hunt without 
adding an}' thing to the expense. 

& &c N. J. W. 

Enclosing copy of contract with Fitzpatric and Sublette and 
proposal to the Hon. H. B. Co. 

CI. 

Cambridge Nov loth 1833 
Bro Leond. (N York) 

Enclosed you have a note against Wyeth & 
Norris [for] Three Hundred and Sixt}^ Five dollars which please 
place to my ace. and forward me the same in order that I may 
give you my note for the balance which is all I caii do for the 
present. 

Am now in treaty with Mess. Tucker & Williams and as soon 
as the result is known I will write you fully. All well here and 
the wills destroyed at my request. 

Yr Afte Bro. N. J. \V. 



136] WYRTH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 79 

CII. 

Cambridge Nov. nth 1833 
Mess. Editors 

Haying while on a recent visit to the Columbia Received 
much attention and kindness from the English Traders there I 
deem it a duty to express my gratitude for the same, more es- 
pecially as I am frequently asked the question if I was never 
iiiolested by them. By all their acts toward myself I am fully 
convinced that all persons who from any cause may come into 
contact with them will receive honorable and gentlemanly treat- 
ment. Among the many to whom I am under obligation I wish 
to name Chief Factors John McEaughlin and Finlinson, Chief 
Trader Francis Horon, Mr. Francis Ermatinger and Mr. Pam- 
brun. Among the American Traders I have received much at- 
tention from Mr. Mckenzie and Mr. Laidlow of the Am. 
Fur Co and Mr. Wm. E. Sublette. To all the above gentlemen 
I tender my thanks 

Yr. Obt. Servt. Nathl J Wyeth. 

cm. 

Cambridge Nov. loth 1833 
Bro. Jacob (Galena Mo") 

Having arrived here I take the first oppor- 
tunity to forward your account in order that it may be settled 
while I am at home which is the more easy as there appears to be 
little difference between us. The horse which you took in the 
mountains was charged to me by the Co. at 75$ but in your 
ace. I charge just enough to make balance between us. Int. is so 
nearly even that I say nothing about it. $150 is credited by me 
to you because thatamt. which I took of Mess. Norris & Wj^eth in 
Baltimore is charged to you in your ace. with them which should 
have been charged to me. The $94.50 in your ace. is cash paid 
for 'medicines and money lent at various times. The $40 is 
the'amt. which I paid the Pacific Trading Co. as per your agree- 
ment with them. Will you have the goodness to forward me as 
soon as possible yovir ace. against me, that is just reverse the Dr. 
and Cr. sides of the annexed receipt and forward it by mail, also 
please let me know how you are doing. All well here. Nudd 
was killed last winter in the mountains, and Trumbull died at 
Vancovtver on the Columbia. All else well as far as I know. 

Yr Afte Bro. N. J. Wyeth 

CIV. 

Cambridge Nov loth 1833 
Mess. Joseph Baker & Son (Boston) (This letter sent also to W. 
H. Boardman) 

Gent The following has been collected from the 
clerks of the H. B. Co. during tay sta^- west of the mts. and al- 



So CORREvSPONDENCK: [i37 

tho not very definite may serve to show what opposition s'ou may 
expect from them. It has been gathered from so many persons 
that I am inclined to think that its truth may be reHed on. 

Yr Obt. Servt. N. J. W. 

An occasional post on the Umquou River in about Latt. 42 deg. 
Fort George, or Astoria renewed about 1830 and to l>e kept up. 
A Fort at Fraizers River which emtys into Pugets Sound about 
30 miles up the river. It is contemplated to move this post to 
the coast and a little south of the river. A Fort south of Nass to 
be established this year. A Fort how established at Xass. A 
Fort north of Nass to be established this year 
To be kept on the Coast 

Bg. Ivima Capt. McNeil 
" Dryad " Kipling 

'■' Kadboro " Sinclair 
Sell. Vancouver " Duncan to be launched in June. 

CV. 

Cami>ridge Nov. i2ih 1S33 
Bro. Perry (Newburg Vt. ' 

I arrived home on 6th inst. in good 
health and spirits and am very l)uisy in making arrangements for 
another trip. I hope to get men the next time who will stick to 
me. On arrival I found all w^ell and much the same as when I 
left. It would afford me much pleasure to see you this 
winter but I do not think it possible for me to spare the time 
required for a visit to your place. I regret to find that a deserter 
of mine has teen publishing lies in some paper near you. Much 
that he says can be contradicted but would operate as an expo- 
sure to yoving Livermore which I would wish to avoid on ace. of his 
parents. It appears to me that the letters of Bell go at least to 
shew that he was guilty of Horse stealing and if his character is 
much knowm to your vicinity his statements will meet with little 
credit, and will not require from me any notice in fact I have nei- 
ther time nor inclination to go into such a subject with such a 
fellow. Please give me your Ideas on this matter. 

You gave me a letter to a gentleman at the Sandwich Islands. 
This I sent by a vessell bound there. 

My journey to the Pacific was attended by vers- few of those 
romantic adventures or terrible sufferings or privations supposed 
to be incident to such journeys. I do not think I have ]>een 
without food for two whole days together and from cold we suf- 
fered nothing. I have not read Mr. Balls letters but suppose they 
will give a pretty fair idea of the country and journey for I 
believe him to l>e a man of veracity and not inclined to exagerate. 
John Wyeths book is one of /////c /ies told for gain. I hear with 
regret that vou have lost voi\r second child and with 



138] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 8i 

pleasure that you have a new daughter. Be assured that I sim- 
pathise in your pains and pleasures. 

If 5'-ou wish I will send you the letters of Mr. John Ball from 
the Columbia and a review published in a periodical edited by Mr. 
Welland in this town of John Wyeths Book these two w^ould if pub- 
lished in some of your papers probably convince those who have 
read Bells letters that there is room for doubt at least. I shall write 
to S. K. Livermore but consider him entitled to no explanation from 
me on ace. of his having consented to have public letters from a 
deserter and thief to be addressed to him when I could not answer 
and calculated to make an injurious impression against me, which 
when the subject had once passed from the public mind it was 
impossible to alter. 

Please give my respects to your good wife and family and be- 
lieve me ^ Yr Aft Bro. N. J. W. 

CVI. 

["Not Sent" written across the face.] 

Cambridge Nov. 13th 1833 
S. K. Livermore Esq. 

Sir I have returned to Cambridge and find 
that during my absence publick letters have been addressed to 
you in answer to a call from you to the writer for information 
concerning the desertion of your son from my part}^ Now I do 
not object to your right to enquire into a matter which so nearly 
concerns 3-our family, but I do object to your right to publish, 
or of aiding or abetting the publishment. This I conceive you 
have done. Had I been in the countr}^ at the time the case 
would have been different. The injury is now done and thous- 
ands have read the slander who can never see the answer, even if 
I should make one which I am not disposed to do. Had you 
made only private enquiries I should have considered myself 
bound to give you information on the subject at the first oppor- 
tunity, and then you would if you thought fit have had a right 
to publish what you pleased, but as it is I do not think myself 
bound to go into the subject with you. My case has by you been 
tried and the result at your instigation published. No opportu- 
nity was given me to explain in the case. I consider myself 
treated with injustice and until these things are differently ex- 
plained to me or I should see them in a different aspect, the 
friendl)" relations in which we have heretofore been are broken. 
I am Your obt. Servt Nath. J. Wyeth 

CVll. 

Cambridge Nov 12th 1833 
Iye[o]nd Jarvis Esq. (Baltimore) 

Dear Sir I have called as a^ou requested 
to see about a shawl to be sent to Vermont. It has been forward- 



S2 CORRESPONDENCE: [139 

ed but so lately that there had not been time for you to hear of 
it. 

I am much engaged at this moment in endeavoring to make 
arrangements to return to the Indian CountrA^ and think I shall 
succeed. In the mean time I have offers in the ice buisness from 
Mr. Tudor more than equal to anything I left and shall close 
[\\nth him] in case I am unable to succeed in the other project. 

If 3-0U will advise me in regard to answering or not answering 
the calumnies and lies which have appeared since I left, I will 
take your advice but if thej'- do not do me much hurt except with 
strangers I am strongly inclined to saj^ nothing. Two reasons 
induce to this that my time is too much occupied is one. An- 
other is that some exposures of character of near relatives might 
be the consequence and generally in such matters the character of 
the individuals at last govern the public belief. I ask your 
advice. 

I found all well here and now I have been here a few days I 
am tired. There is little to interest. I have nothing to do except 
making preparations to go and I begin to wish them done that I 
may be off. 

Please give my respects to my good aunt. Wife likes her dress 
much and I am getting my pants, made up. As soon as I can 
conclude what I shall do I shall write you in full. 

Yr Afte Nephew N. J. W. 

CVIII. 

[No address or date. ] 

To Mr. Henr>' Hall and Mess. Tucker & Williams (Boston) 

Gent. Agreeable to arrangement I make the following pro- 
posal, viz 

You to furnish what capital is wanted to fulfil m^^ contract 
with Sublette & Co. and the sum wanted in order to send a ves- 
sell to the Columbia river with goods for the Fur trade and ma- 
terials for the salmon fishery^ Interest to be charged and credited 
before any dividend of profits you being entitled to commissions 
on buisness done here 2^ per ct on disbursements 2^ per ct 
Sales and guarantee and being at the risk of the ultimate loss of 
the buisness if any should occur. I will then engage in the buis- 
ness for such time as may be agreed on you being bound as well 
as myself to continue the buisness during such time and make 
the requisite disbursements, myself having the entire control of 
the buisness in the Indian country and on the Pacific. Under the 
above terms I will engage in the undertaking for twenty five per 
ct. of the profits that ma}^ accrue. The risk I run is of any 
remuneration except there should be profits. 

Yrs &c N. J. W. 



i4o] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 83 

CIX. 

Cambridge Nov 19th 1833 
Mess Von Phull & McGill (St. I^ouis) 

Gent The enclosed dupli- 
cate is of much importance. I have sent it to you in order to be 
certain that Mr. Milton G. Sublette will receive it, and you will 
much oblige me by putting it into his hands if possible, otherwise 
send it by as certain a conveyance as you can find. I request 
that you will be careful to avoid passing it through the hands of 
his brother Wm, L,. Sublette. 

If the small demands which I gave you against Mr. Cerry are 
paid please inform me of the same if they are not, on the receipt 
of this, please forward them to Mess Cripps & Wyeth New York. 
In this last case I will in the spring call on you and pay the 
charges that have been incurred, or you can ask them of Mr. E. 
M. Samuel of Liberty Mo. 

(Inclosing the following letter to M. G. Sublette.) 

(Duplicate) Original sent to Sublette. 

Mr. M. G. Sublette 

Sir This is to inform you that I am now ready 
to fulfil the contract made with Mr. Fitzpatric and yourself on 
the 14th Augt 1833 at Big Horn River and to request that you 
will as soon as possible come to N. York where I will meet you. 
If by letter you inform me when you will be there please use 
this letter as an introduction to my Brother of the firm of Cripps 
and Wyeth Pearl St. N York importers of Lace goods, and 
leave with him directions where you may be found. I particu- 
larly wish to see you soon as I am about dispatching a vessell 
round Cape Horn to the mout[h] of the Columbia and would if 
possible wish to make contract to supply your Co. the following 
3'ear. I am &c. Nath. J. Wyeth 

ex. 

Cambridge Nov 20th 1833 
[The "20th" is written over a "17th".] 
Bro. Leond. (N. York) 

As requested I enclose note to St. Felix [for] 
$768.50 but not payable to his order. If this is wrong I will 
alter. I shall endeavor to have the matter settled as 3^ou propose 
in regard to what may be still due me from the estate. 

The proposal in your letter of nth inst. I deem impracticable 
and shall not attempt. I am offered much better than when I 
left off by Mr. Tudor who importunes me much to stay. He has 
made $40000 — since I left which includes two years buisness. 
This is in the ice, not including coffee on which I do not think 
he will realize much. In a few days I shall know certainly what 
I shall do and will then write you fully. 



84 CORRESPONDENCE: [1411 

Tell the little ones that I shall send by the first opportunity 
some small books for them. Perhaps I shall be in N. York soon. 

Keep me as well informed as possible of any variation that may 
take place in furs this in order to appear at home on the subject. 
Yr. Afte. Bro. N. J. \\\ 

CXI. 
[No address.] Nov 17th 1S33 
Mess. J. Baker & vSon 

Gent Below you have an estimate of the 
furs brot. in by the way of St. Louis for 1832 and 3. I have 
marked those which I have seen. The rest are from information 
which is as nearly correct as is requisite -for your purpose. These 
furs are Beaver and otter, L,and, about 1-20 of the latter. 
I am Yr. obt. vServt. Nathl J Wyeth 

90 packs from St. Fee 
Seen- 30 Am. Fur Cos. party in the Mts. under Dripps and 

Fontenelle 
Seen- 140 Rocky Mt. Fur Co. brot home by Wm. L. Sublette 

1 20 Traded by the Am. Fur Co. at their posts on the Mis- 

souri ( Astors Co. ) 

380 packs of 100 lbs. ea. f 832. 

Seen- 62 Am. Fur Cos. party under Dripps and Fontenelle in 

Mts. 
Seen- 61 Rocky Mtn. Fur Co brot home by Wm. L. Sublette 
Seen- 30 Bonneville & Co brot home by Cerry to Alfred Seaton 
N. York. 
90 Am. Fur Co Traded at their posts on the Missouri 
60 probably from St. Fee returns not made when I left St. 
Louis. 

303 
The above are nearly all that rame into the western States 
From the Arkansas and the Mis.sissippi few Beaver are brot 
and whatever the quantit}- may be it must decrease yearly. 

CXII. 

Boston Nov. 20th 1S33 
To Geo. vSimson Esq 

Sir Since my last from Baltimore dated Oct. 
26th 1S33 I have ascertained that there was still time to forward 
a vessel! to the Columbia to reach there by first of the salmon 
season and a vessell is now in a state of forwardness for this pur- 
pose, consequently all further negotiations for the present are at 
an end in regard to this subject. Had I been sure that you would 
have accepted I would have entered into no other arrangement 
but uncertain of this I could not let the opportunity pass. I re- 
gret that T have troubled you so much in this matter. 
I am Yr. Obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth 



142] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 85 

Supplement to letter of 20th inst. to I^eond I Wyeth N.York 
[No. CX] enclosed in same sheet at same time viz To day the thing 
is closed, the vessell to be sent round the Horn at once. In the 
concern I have no risk further than I take stock. Have the full 
management out there and one fourth of all profits. I take one 
eighth of the stock yi still open. Stock 20000$ they to provide 
for the remaining }^ if no one offers on my part. Tis a bad bar- 
gain but the best that I could do. I shall be in N. York soon. 
Please forward the accompanying letter by the first Packett. 

Yr afte bro. N. J. W. 

CXIII. 

Cambridge Nov 20th 1833 
Bro. Charles (Baltimore) 

It is now a matter settled that I go again 
to the Pacific. A concern is made up here to invest $20000. I 
have for m}^ services one quarter of all profits and no risk. 
So far I have the liberty of taking one quarter of the stock. I 
have taken one eighth there is still one eighth open which the 
partners here provide for in case I do not meet it. I am to 
have the entire control of the buisness in the Indian Country and 
on the Pacific. I shall give up all your liabilities. No new ones 
will be asked of you but you must give |iooo before the ist March. 
If you can do this my }i is provide [d] for. Please give me your 
answer soon, and let it be yes. Shall be in N.York soon and will 
write you at w^hat time in order to meet you there if you can 
come. 

Yr. Aft. Bro. N. J. W. 

CXIV. 

Cambridge Nov 31th 1833 
I^eond Jarvis Esq (Ba[l]to.) 

Dear Uncle On my return from a 
journey eastward I found your very acceptable fav. of 17th inst. 
In regard to the matter on which I asked advice I am happy to 
find that we agree. I did not ask your advice because I had any 
doubts as to the best course to pursue but because it was a matter 
in which the feelings of my friends vv^ere more concerned than my 
own. Had you advised different your advice would have been 
followed because I think one who has done so much for the re- 
spectability of his family has a right to be consulted in such mat- 
ters. You say to all whose opinions you value on proper occa- 
sions vindicate your self. I value j^our good opinion much and 
will therefore explain a few circumstances of which Bells letters 
treat. John Wyeth tells many /zV//^ lies butthe^^ are of not much 
consequence. In Bells first letter to S. K. Livermore he says "One 
landing was at Point Comfort. Here our Captain was determined 
to make up lost time, and accordingly treated himself and 



86 CORREvSPOXDEXCR: [143 

some of the company very liberally to champaigne and the usual 
effects of intemperate drinking succeeded." I deny none of these 
facts, but I denj' the intended inference. Some of the men were 
worse of what the}' drank and Bell much more drunk than any other. 
If Bell had told that he threw a handkerchief full of eggs from 
the pier into the boat, or that I ste[e]red the boat to the vessell 
through a thick fogg about three miles with nothing to guide 
me but the stars he would have told the truth and the inference 
would have been somewhat plainer who "'exhibited the effects of in- 
temperate drinking". Beside this it is nonsense to suppose I had 
any lost time to make up. If I had had such a strong disposition 
to loose no time in drinking I might have carried a plenty of liquor 
with me. The fact that I carried some shews that there was no 
very strong desire for it. The facts out of which this ver\' pop- 
7ilar story was made are these. After a long and squall)^ 
voyage during which most of the men had been sea sick and had 
lived YQxy poor on salt beef ayid pork, we anchored off old Point 
Comfort and I went ashore with some five or six of the men to 
procure some oysters eggs &c. I ordered a supper for those with 
me and after supper I think two Bttles of Champagne and one of 
Made[i]ra were drank and I believe some ardent spirit. Afterward 
the landlord treated to some more I presume on ace. of the novel- 
ty'' of the Enterprise or some slight acquaintance with mj-self. 
Having got what stores I could for those on board and seeing that 
the frolic had gone far enough I returned on board with no more 
wine in VQ.y head than I have carried fromi your table. The an- 
swer to what Bell sa^^s of promises about purchase of Horses is all 
a lie. I never verbally or otherwise engaged to make other provis- 
ion than what I might deem suitable and proper. All discression 
in this matter was reserved to myself by agreement, and the fact 
that they started is proof, that I did not. Can one man com- 
pel 24 men to go with him against their will, and would the 
men have started if I had broken my promises in the manner stat- 
ed, or would they have gone at all if the equipment was evident- 
ly insufficient. The fact is that no other idea was ever held up 
to them except that of marching. If this was not the case why 
did they march across the Aleganys. S. K. Livermore well 
knows this, for with him I corresponded on the subject of Thomas 
learning music for marching and in my letters to him dated Jan^^ 
23d & Feb 6th 1S32 of which I have copy he will have the same 
expressed, the same in regard to hunting dresses &c. Tis alia lie 
that I made any promises on these subjects. The agreement 
states that the party shall be provided in the usual way and man- 
ner of trading parties, and this I can prove. Bell states that 
Weeks expressing a determination not to go I compelled him by 
putCtJing him under arrest and afterward let him oif on pacing 
over to me all the money he had, and adds "leaving him almost 



144] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 87 

destitute of means to accomplish his return" he might have said 
qidte^ if the first part of the statement was true. 

The facts were these. The day before I left the last of the set- 
tlements I sent John Wyeth with a yoke of oxen and some sheep 
out to horse guard. He returned near night stating that the 
sheep strayed, and that he tied the oxen, and went after them, 
but when he returned they had broke loose and he could nowhere 
find them. I suspected all was not right, and sent a man to the 
place with John. This man returned and told me that John could 
shew no place where cattle had been tied, such place he would 
have known by the tracks (before morning they [were] found 
tied in a different direction) About this time Thomas lyiver- 
more told me that Johns gun was not in camp. I had the 
men called to arms. When it was discovered that Weeks and 
John Wyeth had no equipments the}^ we[re] called upon to pro- 
duce them, and refused. I put them under guard, and a short 
time afterward Weeks offered to go and get them, and while out 
attempted to escape from the man sent with him, but finally 
produced the equipments. In the morning the Compan^^ was 
called together. I stated to them that I had no power to release 
any of the parties to our compact, that in regard to John he be- 
ing a minor having been put under my charge by his father and 
having no means of satisf^dng the concern for the expenses in- 
curred on his ace. I should carry him on, but this I would pro- 
pose that Weeks should be released provided that he would in- 
demnify for expenses incurred by the concern over and above 
what he had paid in. This passed by a vote according to form, 
and by vote also it was provided that he might be released b}^ 
paying $40 and keep his cloths and equipments, which were Co, 
propert}^ This Weeks at first refused to do. I then told him 
that he should go if I tied him to the tail of a horse. Soon after 
he paid the $40 and was released. The whole buisness was done 
by vote of the Co. and at the time recorded by the clerk of the 
same. Now if the Co. as Bell says had been deceived and abused 
could one man have exercised such control over them. The fact 
is that the Co. generally felt much insenced at this attemp[tj at 
desertion and secconded me fully and strongl}^ in punishing it. 
The companion of Bells desertion, was the person who informed 
against those fellows viz. Livermore. In regard to the arbitrary 
conduct during the twelve days which Bell remained with me after 
this, I have only to say that I expected implicit obedience to my 
orders and was determined to enforce it at all hazards. Notice 
was given that those who lagged behind would be put on 
guard. They lagged to get rid of some work which is always 
to be done immediately on reaching camp, and those who 
avoided this labor I thought ought of right to make compensa- 
tion b}^ doing some other. Jacob was once put on guard for this 



88 CORRRSPONDKNCE: [145 

offence. Livermore might have been but I do not reccollect it. 
It was the buisness of any one sick or disabled to report himself 
to the Doct. and after examination he was entitled [to] and re- 
ceived any indulgence that the circumstances of the party would 
allow. Livermore complained of his feet once. I required to ex- 
amine them, he refused and said his word was enough. I did 
not think so, and required him to do the same duty as the others, 
I had before experienced much impudence from Livermore. He 
at one time told me, I lied. I told him to prepare himself to re- 
turn home from the next landing for that he should go no fur- 
ther with me. Before we got to the next landing he came and 
expressed a willingness to go before the whole Co. and make an 
apology. After this the matter was overlooked. His conduct 
was always bad. The night before we left Boston he and Bell 
were out all night and said they slept at a friends in Boston. 
When we arrived at Baltimore Bell had a clapp and this was the 
reason that he rode over the mountains at m.y expense. He takes 
care to tell none of these things and this was the tyranny to 
which he was subjected. Livermore spent on this trip beside the 
$50 which his father gave him for his outfit near $50 which he 
borrowed on various pretences of me, and something which you 
gave. 

["Insert here the Postscript" is written across the beginning 
of the following paragraph.] 

The suggestions in your letter concerning famih' quarrels pre- 
vented me sending to Mr Livermore a letter which I had 
written not in anger but in a spirit of just rebuke for what I con- 
sider great meanness. I allude to his suffering a letter written to 
Bell to be published and Bells letters to be addressed to him. If 
these things were done without his consent he should have dis- 
claim[ed] them, but he has aided in the dissemination of them and 
thereby made it a positive consent instead of an implyed one. I 
cannot overlook that as far as he is able he has assisted to get up 
an impression against me, when I had no chance to rebut it. If 
on the one hand I withhold an expression of my feelings for the 
course he has pursued on the other I shall withhold all explana- 
tions of things concerning which he might otherwise have en- 
quired. I have enquired for Kendal at the Stables and Taverns, 
he appears not to be known at either place. My impres- 
sion is favorable to him I hope he will turn out well, 
as much that you may get the suitable rew^ard of your 
exertions for him as for his ow^n good. In regard to my own 
plans I say that I would now entirely change my plan of life and 
as old as I am not deem success unatanable, could I once convince 
myself that my talents are as good as you seem to believe they are 
but in this matter everj^ man must judge of himself and make up 
his own mind as to what he is most fitted for. I have never al- 
lowed mA'self to abandon an}- serious project that I had formed. 



T46] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 89 

Pursuant to this plan of life I have urged on from the beginning 
this western enterprise and I shall give it up only when I am 
convinced I am destitute [of] the means to pursue it. I have ob- 
tained the means of pursuing it and by relinquishing too much of 
the profit I have avoided responsibility be3^ond such extent as I 
am able to meet. 

Please give m^^ respects to m^- good aunt and accept for j^our- 
self the best wishes of — 

[Subscription written but crossed out.] 

Postscript inserted in the body of the letter. 

In regard to the fitness of the arrangements for the voyage 
There were purchased 34 animals. There were 19 loads of goods 
leaving 15 spare animals, beside two that were individual prop- 
erty and 24 persons started. I call all animals loaded with pro- 
visions spare ones becausLe] in less than 20 daj'S they would all be 
released from their loads. If the men had took good care of the 
animals they could have rode half of the way but instead of this 
they lost or stole two horses before they lef[t] the settlements. 
Livermore stole three and I killed one more in trying to overtake 
him. Beside this some who were fearful to go on and disliked to 
back out endeavored to ruin the expedition by ruining the horses. 
Tin pots and picketts have been found under the pack saddles and 
the backs of many of the animals were soon ruined and in conse- 
quence we were all on foot except the sick or disabled or those 
who were hunting. It is not true that I rode the day before 
lyivermore and others deserted. That day myself and Mr. Buck[?] 
went out to hunt on foot. This fact I distinctl}' recollect from 
having found a horse that da}'. The day that thej^ deserted I 
rode the newlj' found horse to hunt and being out of camp and 
able to go ahead of the party they were enabled to effect their 
intention, a thing they would not have dared attemp[t] had I 
been in camp. The provisions carried wdth the party wer[e] one 
chest Tea pepper and salt. Corn meal 450 lbs. Bacon one j^oke ox- 
en sixteen sheep this to last until we should reach the Buffa- 
loe country which we did in 22 davs. 

N J W 
cxv. 

Cambridge Dec 2d 1832 
Bro Perry 

Your very acceptable fav. of 25th ulto is at hand. In 
regard to what I propose now I answer the same as at first viz. 
to make money out of the fur trade. So far I have lost some 
money and have gained some experience and hope yet to make 
out. Am now fitting out a Bg. to go round the Horn to Bring 
out some goods and bring home a cargo of Salmon, ist March 
next I shall go to St. Louis and start overland again with some 
goods which I have contracted to deliver to a concern in the mts. 



90 CORREvSF'OXnEXCK; [147 

with the furs received for these go [on] to the mouth of the Col- 
umbia and send them home by m^' Brig take the goods which 
she has brought out, and up again to the mountains exchange 
goods for furs employ residue of year in trapping Beaver until 
salmon season (having left men making barrels through the win- 
ter) This done another vessell comes b}' arrangement takes the 
salmon and collections of the year. I take of her more goods and 
so the same round again. I take across the land about 40 men 
hired at the west men here wall not do. I am of }^our opinion 
about Bells letters and shall not notice them. I have not written 
to S. K. lyivermore but consider his conduct as dishonorable. 
The letters were addressed to him by his consent, because he cir- 
culated them and has not said publicly that they had not his con- 
sent. I shall not give him an}' explanation in the buisness and 
consider he has forfeited all claim to it. If horse stealing is a 
crime anywhere it was under the circumstances that Bell and 
others did it. I would prosecute if it were not for Livermore. I had 
never an^- connection with H. J. Kelley farther than that I might 
have gone in company with him if he had gone in season but I 
had no view farther than trade at any time. I will not meet you 
half way. I wish to see the wife and young ones. I shall if I 
can possibl}^ find time come all the way and bring wife but this is 
uncertain. I have been East and go to N. York soon. After 
my Brig is off may have a little leisure time. The Review I can 
not send as I know of. If I do please send it back again as soon 
as you can as it will be a part of a sett. I mail this with all of 
Balls letters which I have and thev contain the whole I believe. 

Y &c N. J. W. 

• CXVI. 

Cambridge Dec 4th 1833 
Mess vSamuel »& More 

Gent Enclosed you have an order on Mess. 
Von Phul and McGill vSt. Louis for whatever ballance may be due 
me with them. 

In pursuance of the plan about which I spoke to you you will 
oblige me by commencing to purchase mules and horses. The 
first I am most anxious to get. 60 of each at least will be wanted. 
As fast as you get the animals have them put under the charge of 
some suitable person and kept together. You will of course ex- 
ercise your j udgement whether in regard to the question the cost 
of buying now and feeding until spring will be more than purchas- 
ing at once when we want them, and whether we could collect so 
many animals at a moments warning. 

The amt. due me if draft has been paid from Mess. \"on 
Phul and McGill is about $400 on which please commence to pur- 
chase animals as you can meet with them cheap, and in the 
mean time please designate where we can place funds for further 



148] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 91. 

purchase of these animals. N. York or N. Orleans will be con- 
venient to us. On this subject please address yourself to Mess. 
Tucker and Williams Boston. 

I am Yr Obt Servt N. J. Wyeth 

CXVII. 

Mess Von Phul & McGill 

Gent Any funds of mine which may 
be in your hands on the receipt of this please hand over to Mess 
Samuel and More of Liberty Missouri and oblige 

Yr Obt Servt Nathl J. Wyeth. 
Boston Dec 4th 1833 

CXVIII. 

Cambridge Dec 9th 1S33 
Mr Jas Worthington (Flonsante Co Missouri) 

Dear Sir I shall be going to the Mts. as earl}^ next spring as 
the grass will permit and shall be glad of your company with as 
man3^ persons as j^ou may have with you and such goods as j^ou 
may choose to carry. I shall have a vessell sail for the mouth of 
the Columbia in about ten days with goods and if j^ou should fol- 
low the buisness of Beaver catching I do not doubt that I could 
hereafter supply you with goods in the Mts. much cheaper than 
3^ou could pack them up ^^ourself. 

You w411 know m^' movements from Mr. E. M. vSamuel of Lib- 
erty. In the mean time I remain 

Yr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth. 

If you write direct to Cambridge Massachusetts. 

CXIX. 

Cambridge Dec. 9th 1833 
Bro. Charles (Baltimore) 

Your very acceptable fav. of the 26th ulto. 
is at hand and would have been answered sooner but I have been 
down East and could not. You say that 5^ou will let me have 
the $1000 dont fail me on any ace. as serious inconvenience would 
be the consequence. Your understanding of the foundation of 
the present expedition is correct. I can take no further risk than 
the one eighth. I may risk my life but will not risk loosing so 
much as that with health and industr5' I can retrieve m^^self. I 
will go the whole Hogg no further than this. 

I shall be in N. York soon but shall be there again in Febru- 
ary, and as you think it will not be convenient to 3'ou to see me 
there I will not expect to see you until Feb. 

I differ with you as to the notice in the Courier it is not sharp 
enough to cut. I have taken the advice of Mr. Jarvis and to all 
that has been said I shall answer nothing and shall let character 
determine mens minds. 



92 



correspoxden'cb:: [149 



I have not the least reason to find fault with I^eonard and per- 
haps in the end he will be the better able to render assistance 
than now, and I am more In want of it. I have now many of- 
fers to take part in this enterprise over and above what I can use 
and all that makes it requisite for me to take any of the stock is 
to shew confidence in it. We have bought a fine new Brig and 
she is nearly ready for sea. 

In regard to the arrangement of the matters between Jonas and 
father I do not believe that I can better them. They are now on 
good terms and Father does not wish an^^ thing to be done. Quar- 
rel they will more or less under any circumstances. I do not 
think Jonas has done as well by the place as he could but he or 
any one else would have a hard task to prevent all mischief to 
the trees during times of hurr^^ Contrary to what you fear I 
found things as well here as such matters can well be after what 
has passed. I turn from home and friends only l;>ecause I have 
not yet done what I have undertaken. 

I have been ven,' buisy and cannot write you as much at length 
as I could wish but perhaps I shall be more at leisure after the 
vessell is off and do not be affronted if I serve my best friends 
worst. "Whom the Lord loveth hechasteneth." I have written a 
long letter to Mr.Jarvis on thesubject of the statements that have 
been made b}- the deserters and if Mr. Jarvis pleases he can shew 
it vou. Brother Perrv" advised me not to notice Bell at all, as his 
character would not entitle him to credit at home. Give my re- 
spects to your good wife. I am sorry for her complaint but can 
suggest no remed\'. Remind me to the little ones. 

I am Yr. Afte. Bro. N. J. Wyeth 

cxx. 

Cambridge Dec 9th 1833 
Hon Lewis Cass. C Washtn) 

Dear Sir Accompanying you have an 
ititroductory note from Genl. Ashley. The object of addressing 
you is this. There are west of the Mts. many gentlemen and ser- 
vants of the Hudsons Ba^- Co who have Indian wives and fami- 
lies and who are desirous of retiring from active life but they can 
not well mingle in society as it is constituted in G. Britain or the 
U. States. They wish to locate themselves on the Wallammet or 
Multnomah River, a river coming from the south into the Colum- 
bia. The}' express themselves indifferent as to which Govt, they 
may come under. There are now on this river nine families of 
Trappers who have good farms. An answer to the following que- 
ries or an expression of opinion from so high a source in regard to 
them would be very acceptable to a class of men who are at a loss 
to know where they may best spend the remnant of lives of toil 
and danger. Viz 

TSt To what extent may they take upland. 



i5o] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 93 

2d What price will be demanded pr acre if the Am. Govt, 
should take possession of the country. 

3d Can they be sure that they will be allowed to keep posses- 
sion at anj^ price. 

4th If they are not allowed to keep the land will an}^ allow- 
ance be made for improvements. 

I shall go early in the spring to the country west of the Mts. 
and would be pleased to communicate any assurance or opinion 
which you may do me the honor to give on this subject. 

I should be happy to impart any information of which I may 
be possessed to the Govt, if it is deemed desirable. 

With Great Respect I have the honor to be 

Yr Obt Servt. Nathl J Wyeth 
Hon Lewis Cass ) 
Secty. of War > 
Washington ) 

CXXI. 

Boston Dec loth 1S33 
Mess. Thomas C. Rockhill & Co (Philad) 

Gent Above you have 
draft for Seventy Nine dollars and Seventy Five cents which 
please place to the Cr of Mess Samuel and More of Liberty Mo. of 
which please inform them and receipt for the same in my fav. to 
them and oblige Yr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth. 

CXXII. 

Cambridge Dec 12th 1833 
Bro Leond. (N York) 

Yours of gth inst is received. In regard to 
calculations about vessell &c will run over them with you soon 
and personally. 

Good did quite right in regard to the draft which you say has 
been shewni you Drawn by Abbot fav. of Sublette & Campbell on 
M. G. Sublette to be charged to me. Abbot is much my debtor, 
has never had any authority to draw on me, but had authority to 
take up money of Mess. Samuel & More and Wyeth & Norrisand 
them only and of both he took up money and some more of me. 
When he arrived here two days since, he never mentioned to me 
any thing of this transaction. He is now gone. There must 
be something irregular in this buisness. A. has been gaming. 
I shall not pay unless some shadow of an obligation can be shewn 
why I should. I can conceive none which can be made to ap- 
pear in this case. 

I regret to say I have not seen Mr. Osgood and do not know 
where to find him otherwise should not fail to call and see him. 



94 CORRESPONDKXCE: [151' 

I am waiting for Capt. Lambert who has gone to'see his family 
expect him every minute. When he comes shall leave directly 
for 3'our citv in order to purchase goods, and as you sav 
All well. ' X. J. Wyeth. 

CXXIIL 

X York Dec i8th 1833 
Mess. Tucker & Williams Boston 

Gent Arrived here on the i6th 
I can find no callico shirts here. 200 are wanted which you had 
best set making as soon as possible. Figures are wanted but 
stripes will do if the other cannot be had. L,et the colors be 
bright and the stile gav. 

Yr Obt Servt. X J Wyeth 

CXXIV. 

X. York Dec. iSth 1S33 
Mess. Tucker & Williams Boston 

Gent I have completed pur- 
chases all except scarlett cloths or stronds of which there are 
none in this place. You will have to pick up what you can to 
cost not more than 1.80 per yd. From 5 to 10 pieces must do. 
We cannot buy many at this rate. If nothing better can be found 
Scarlett Duffle must be used. One Bale Blue Am. sheetings one 
unbleached, still wanted. I do not find them here, so you can 
buy them if you can find them. 

I am >T. obt. Servt Xathl J W^-eth 

cxxv. 

X York Dec igth 1833 
Mess. Tucker & Williams Boston 

Gent. I write to apprise you 
that no vessell can sail before Saturday for Boston which will 
give you a little more time. Still no scarlett stronds except 
about 2 pieces at 1.75 pr yd. Shall find amt. of bill in order to 
insure as soon as possible. 

Yrs &c X. J. \\'yeth 

[An illegible P, vS. of four words.] 

CXXVI. 

X. York Dec. 20th 1833 
Mess. Samuel & Tvlore 

Gent, I am here purchasing goods to send 
round the Horn by a vessell, and have not 3'et had the time to 
make the arrangements proposed in your letter of Xov. 6th with 
Mess T. C. Rockhill & Co nevertheless you will oblige by pro- 
ceeding to purchase Horses and mules to an^^ extent you 
deem prudent not exceeding the directions contained in my letter 
of 4th inst. Also to engage 30 men to leave your covuitry in 



152] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 95 

last of April and first of May next and for 2 )^ years. Engage 
none but those you think good men. At my first opportunity on 
returning to Boston I willforwd, to you a form of agreement with 
the men and also complete an arrangement with Mess. R.ockhill 
& Co. by which funds will be placed to 3'our Cr. as' fast as you 
expend it in the purchase of animals. 

You can engage at the lowest possible rates 35 riding saddles 
(Spanish) These are for the men and should be of the cheap 
kind without an}- finer^^ about them, then 6 of a superior sort for 
lis gentlemen but still not expensive but good and plain. The 
residue of the harness I will have made here and bring it on Vv'ith 
me. 

I have to request that, if 3'ou can find Sublette, you will urge 
that he come here sooner than Feb. he ought to come at once 
and not leave the purchasing of his goods to the last minute. 
Write to him to this effect if you know where he is and represent 
to him that these goods .should leave N. York or Boston by the 
20th Feb. in order to be at the upper settlements in time for an 
early start. I am &c N. J. Wyeth. 

CXXVII. 

N. York Dec 20th 1833 
Mr. M. G. Sublette St Louis 

Dear Sir Not having heard from 
3'ou since 3^our arrival and heard nothing of your intentions ex- 
cept from E. M. Samuel of Libert}- I write to urge you to come 
here immediatel)-. It is important that yow should select your 
goods in good season as yo\x will be able to do it much cheaper 
and get better kinds w^hen you have time to look about 3"Ou than 
when you are hurried, beside I am desirous of a spree with an old 
Monniaineer these folks here wont do. ^ly Brig will sail in a few 
da^^s for the Columbia with goods enough for an outfit for j'ou 
another year. Abbot passed this place a few days since. When 
you come to N. York call on Mess Cripps and Wyeth Pearl St. 
Please write me as soon as you can and inform me when you will 
start for this place. Yr &c X. J. W. 

CXXVIII. 

New York 21st Dec. 1833 
Mess Tucker & Williams Boston 

Gent I leave this to da^^ in tlie 
steam Boat and will probably be with you Monday morning but 
for fear of accident write to inform [you] that I have purchased 
one small bale of Scarlett cloths of 10 pieces. This will obviate 
any necessity of your bu^dng at disadvantage as we can do with- 
out more of this article. 

Mr. Thomas informs me that he has purchaseLd] 5 Purcheons 
Rum being all he can find in this place entitled to Debenture. 

[Subscription written but crossed out.] 



96 CORRESPONDENCE: [i53 

CXXIX. 

Cambridge Jany. 2d 1834 
Bro Leond, 

I have this minute received a letter from Mr Milton 
Sublette informing me that he leaves Pitsburgh on 26th Dec. 
for N. York. What I desire is that you induce him if possible to 
come at once to Boston, but if you cannot do this, you will have 
the goodCness] first to drop me a line to the care of Mess Tucker & 
Williams, and in the mean time if he is in great haste, let him 
commence selecting goods, in which please render him what assist- 
ance vou are able, making all 3'our purchases at 6 mos. and oblige 
Yr. bbt. Servt. Nathl J W3^eth 
Knlcosing copy of contract with Fitzpatric & vSublette. 

CXXX. 

Cambridge Jany 2d r833[4] 
Mr. M. G. vSublette 

Dear Sir Yr. esteemed fav of the 26 ulto. is at 
hand. I am at this moment much engaged in fitting out a ves- 
sell for the mouth of the Columbia. I have written to my broth- 
er to urge 3^ou to come at once to Boston as the gentlemen who 
are concerned with me are desirous of seeing 3'ou, but if haste 
renders this out of the question, I will come to N. York as soon 
as I know that you are there, of w^hich I have requested my 
brother to inform me immediately on your arrival. If you cannot 
come to Boston and are in much haste 3^ou can select the goods 
that you want when you please, and I have requested my brother 
to assist you in this matter, I would prefer however that you 
would not begin until I come but in this do as you please. 
I am Yr. Obt. Servt. Nathl J Wyeth 

CXXXI. 

Cambridge Jany 6th 1834 
Bro. Charles, Baltimore, 

I write to say that I shall draw on you for 
one Thousand dollars payable ist March. 

The stock of our Co. wdllamt. to 40,000:^ which makes even an yi a 
full back load in these times and therefore if j^ou have any more loose 
cash, and wish to give /V a good circulation yow had better lend it to 
me, however I have not a face to ask you a direct question of this 
sort in these times, but only make the slio-hi suggestion. But I 
have provided to meet in some shape my obligations by becoming 
indebted to the concern in case I cannot raise my share, but I 
have great repugnance to resort to this measure. 

Our vessell sails to morrow and in the course of the week I 
shall go to N. York to meet Mr. Sublette in order to purchase 
goods for our overland trip. I think I shall be in X. York from 
the 12 to the 20th inst. 



154] WYRTH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 97 

In going out I shall pass through Baltimore but shall make lit- 
tle stay. I am too buis}' at present to write about family affairs 
and have not even made up my journal of last trip in such form 
as is suitable to leave. I do not know when I shall have time to 
do any of these things, for in addition to my other concerns I 
have those of Mr. Tudor to attend to for the winter. 

I am yr. afte. Bro. N. J. W. 

CXXXII. 

Boston Jany 4th 1834 
Mr M Sublette CX York) 

Dear Sir I have received a note from 
my brother informing me of your having arrived in N. York. I 
should come immediately to see you were it not that I have al- 
ready written to urge your coming here and am afraid of passing 
you on the road. When I have got your answer whether j^ou will 
come here or not I shall move to see you. In the meantime per- 
mit me to suggest that there are great advantages to be derived 
from an interview between yourself and the gentlemen who are 
concerned with me in this undertaking, among the most impor- 
tant of which is the establishing in your mind of a perfect confi- 
dence that any contract that may be entered into with you or 
5^our partners will be fulfilled. When j^ou have arrived here you 
will be able to satisfy yourself in this matter. Also it is 
important that you make some arrangement for sending home 
your furs over and above those which you pay us for the goods 
which we are to deliver to you. If you should wish to avail your- 
self of the opportunity afforded by our vessell an agreement for 
the same can be made here and also for transporting them to 
the vessell. If it is possible to come to any agreement on these 
subjects an insurance might be effected to cover the risk of 
the sea on such amt. as might be shipped. Beside the above 
reasons, there are many goods which can be purchased as well 
and some better here than in N. York. The great difficulty 
which your concern has encountered and the enormous expence 
in getting your supplies has induced me to suppose that 3^ou 
would avail yourself of any opportunity which on reasonable 
terms would obviate all the difficulties and much of the expense. 
Such opportunity is now within your reach. B}-- means of our 
vessells employed in the salmon trade we can take out goods and 
bring home furs to any extent to the Columbia. These goods 
we can purchase cheaper than goods can be purchased to send 
over the mountains because on some of them we get the draw- 
back of the duties. The packing up from the Columbia is neither 
difficult nor expensive, horses there are comparatively cheap and 
in that country there is little danger consequently' few men are re- 
quired. These advantages we are willing to divide with you, in 
order that bv sretting vour goods on reasonable terms you mav be 



98 CORRRSPONDEXCK: [155 

able to monopolise in a great measure the trade of the mountains, 
and thus, much enlarge the amt. of goods which you will take 
from us. One other convenience of this route is that all your 
men which are wanted for camp keepers could be had from the 
islands these men would be better than those you get from the 
vStates for such purposes and much cheaper. One other advan- 
tage to be derived from pursuing the buisness through this route 
is that if you succeed in breaking up the other companies as ^-ou 
certainh" can do, when you get 3'our goods so much cheaper 3^ou 
will prevent the influx to [of?] small traders and others vrho by their 
competition continually injure your buisness and spoil your men. 
Should the above considerations strike your mind as they 
do mine you will I have no doubt 3'ou will see of how 
much importance it is that parties who in the course of 
events ma}- have such large engagements with each other 
should meet and establish a mutual confidence which will 
afterward facilitate all buistiess and in such case I shall ex- 
pect to see you in Boston in the course of the week. I was in 
hopes that you would be able to spend the winter with me and 
go to St. Louis together in the Spring, but if your buisness pre- 
vents we will let you go after you have spent a week with us. 

I am Yr &c X. J. W. 
To M. Sublette Ks([ 

cxxxiir. 

Boston Jany 7th 1834 
Mess. Samuel & More (Liberty) 

Gent. Mr. Abbot will hand you 
this. I send him for the purpose of taking care of the animals 
which vou may purchase, and for assisting you in the same under 
your direction. T request that you will l)e extremely careful in 
the purchase of animals and be sure to get none but what are 
hardy and as many mules as possible. As to price I am in hopes 
that having so much time to purchase in you will be 
able to buy horses for $25 that are first rate working- 
animals and rnules at 40$ but if you should not you 
must give a little more. 75 mules are wanted and 25 
horses and to this extent you are authorized to make pur- 
chases. vSome competent judge must select these animals. Be- 
fore this you will have received the requisite assurance from 
Mess Rockhill <& Co. 

In regard to Abbot I wish you to supply his absolute want.s 
until I come which will be about 20th April and nothing farther. 
He is a little inclined to be extravagant and I do not wish to pay 
for it. 

If you have not yet made an absolute bargain in regard to the 
saddles for which I wrote in mv letter of 20th Dec. you can leave 



156] WYETII'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 99 

off the stirrups as they can be had cheaper here than with you, 
but if alreadv vou have made [a] contract do not alter it. 

I am Yr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth 

cxxxiv. 

Boston Jany. yth 1834 
Mr. Wiggin Abbot 

Sir You will proceed with all possible despatch 
to Philadelphia, you will there call on Mess Grant & Stone and 
request them to procure a duplicate of the letter which the}' re- 
quested Mess. Thomas C. Rockhill & Co. to send to Mess Samuel & 
More of I^iberty in behalf of Mess. Tucker & Williams of Boston. 
With this Duplicate and the letter I have given you to Mess Sam- 
uel & More, you will proceed immediately to Liberty. When 
arrived you will deliver duplicate and letter, and act under Mess 
S. and M. in procuring anim.als, and keeping those that are pur- 
chased, taking good care that they are kept fat. Without interposing 
in any direct manner with Mess vS & M. I wish you to ascertain the 
real cash value of horses and mules, and it would be well to let 
them see that you take note of these things, this, not that I doubt 
their good faith, but they having much buisness on their hands may 
be deceived as to the value of animals. Also if you think the an- 
imals they purchase are unsuitable you will give them your opin- 
ion. I have requested Mess S & M. to suppl^^ you with what 
cash you may want for necessary expenses only but I am in hopes 
the money with which you are supplied here will prevent an}' 
considerable expenses on your ace. Your time will commence 
on your arrival at Liberty, and what you spend on the road will 
be charged to you, therefore keep an accurate ace. of the same. 
You will be allowed $300 for the first years services, you finding 
5''Ou[r] own clothing. We do not agree to furnish any clothing 
or other supplies between the settlements and the Columbia river. 
At that place and during the year you will be charged 50 pr ct. 
advance on what shall be sufficient for your own use. After the 
first 3'ear an agreement for farther services must be made. 

Xathi. J. Wyeth. 

(Added by Mr Abbot) 

Having carefully examined the foregoing instructions from Mr 
Nathl J Wyeth and having agreed with him to render my ser- 
vices in conformity thereto I hereby acknowledge m^'self to be 
entirely under his directions and do promise and obligate myself 
to perform to the best of my ability all that may be required of 
me by him and that I am entirely satisfied with the compensation 
stipulated for as herein expressed, and the manner in which I am 
to receive the same. 

Signd by Wuggin Abbot. 

[The discrepancy in the spellings of Abbot's name occurs in the 
copy,] 



loo CORRKvSPOXnEXCK: [157 

CXXXV. 

Boston Nov. -2301 1S33 
Mr. Alfred Seaton, 

Sir We will take 3'oitr furs within one hun- 
dred miles of Horse Creek of Green River and convey the same 
to the Columbia and thence to Boston for thirty seven dollars and 
fift}' cents per pack of 100 lbs. We obligate ourselves to take the 
usual care of these furs on both parts of the route, furs to be de- 
livered to us during the month of July 1S34. The risks that you 
are to run includes that of our vessells going out to the Columbia. 
I am Yr Obt. Servt Nathl J Wyeth 

CXXXVI. 

Boston Jany. 4th 1834 
Bro. Chas. (Balto. ) 

I have mailed to 3-ou a package of printed paper 
which please keep two days when if Mr. Abbot does not come to 
take them of you please forward them to Mess Samuel & More of 
Liberty Missouri in Clay county. Please give /Vbbot no money 
should he apply to you for it as I have given him as much as I 
wish to trust him with. 

I am &c Nathl. J. Wyeth. 
P. S. Papers will not come as above 

CXXXVI I. 

Boston Jany Sth 1S34 
Mess Samuel & More Liberty Missouri 

(Tent. Having written 
you under date of Dec. 20th from N York and on 7th inst per Mr. 
Abbot I now write to recapitulate, and to make sure that you re- 
ceive the requisite instructions in case Abbot should be delayed from 
any cause, viz purchase 75 mules and 24 horses with [as] much 
dispatch as you can consistently with economy, place same un- 
der some suitable man if Mr. Abbot does not come that they 
may become w[o]nted to the band. Be careful to get serviceable 
animals. If so many mules cannot be had you must make up in 
horses. Also 35 common vSpanish riding saddles without stir [rlups 
bridles or girths these I can get cheaper here. 6 of a little su- 
perior kind but still not expensive for my own use and some 
other gentlemen, also you can be looking up 2 bulls and 8 
cows for driving overland to stock a fort also one yoke of cattle 
for provisions, fat for eating, and about 30 sheep. If these cattle 
can be purchased at any time it had better be delayed until the 
last of the purchases. Probably I may want a few more animals 
than above ordered but this will do for the present. 

1 am Yr. Obt. vServt. Nathl. J. Wyeth. 



158] 



WYETH'vS OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 

To FIND Longitude 



To get Polaf distance. . . Take declination of Sun from Nauti- 
cal almanac for the date which we suppose to be nth Jany. 1834 
which is 21 deg. 50 min. lysec. which correct for Long, from 
Tab. 5 Bowditch deriving you[r] knowledge of Long, from the 
last observation and dead reconing added. 

Say, Sub. i min. 45 sec. 



21 deg. 49[8?] min. 32 sec. 
Correct for time Sa3' 3 Hours a. m. as 

per Table 5 Bowditch w^hich is = add i min. 07 sec. 

21 deg. 50 min. 39 sec. 
90 deg. 00 min. 00 sec. 



Add to 90 deg. to obtain polar distance 

Polar distance i r i deg. 50 min. 39 sec. 

In making the above reconing with Capt. Lambert we added 
instead of 90 deg. 90 deg. 50 min. 39 sec. which will make an er- 
ror through[ou]t the whole calculation for we made polar distance 
112 deg. 58 min. 18 sec. and this sum therefore I use hereafter 
instead in deg. 50 min. 39 sec. which is the true distance. 
After rejecting seconds which we always do if under 30 and add 
if over 

I St The Cronometer to be made to agree with Greenwich time 
by adding or subtracting its rate as the case maj- be 

2d Take the Suns altitude, and it is best to do it when the Sun 
is rising of [or?] falling the fastest, which read directly from the 
quadrant and we will suppose it to be 68 deg. 10 min. 

Which alwa3^s divide by two 34 deg. 5 min. 

To which if the Lower limb is taken alwavs add 16 min. 



34 deg. 21 min. 
On Land for refraction always subtract i min. 

Which will be the true altitude 34 deg. 20 min. 

Corrected altitude as above 34 deg. 20 min. 

Corrected Latt. which is got from 

Last obs. and dead rec. 
Polar distance from above 



Add together 
Which alwa^^s divide b5' 2 
which is 

Subtract Suns altitude 
Which is remainder 



45 deg. 20 min. 
112 deg. 58 min. 

192 deg. 38 min. 

96 deg. 19 min. 

34 deg. 20 min. 
61 deg. 59 min. 



CORRRSPON DKNCHr 



[159 



In Taking out Log[a]rithms reject the index when it is 10. 

Cor[r]ected altitude as 

above 34 deg. 20 min. (from Tab. 27) 

Corrected Lat. as above 45 deg. 20 min. Secant of Lat. 08314 ") 
" Polar distance j 

as above 112 deg. 58 min. Co. Sec. pol. dis 03587 

x\dd together & Halve 192 deg. 38 min. j 

Half 96 deg. 19 min. Co Sine Half | 

Subtract Suns alti Sum 9-041 49 |- 

as alx)ve 34 deg^20 min. j 

Remainder 61 deg. 59 min. Sine of remain- 
tier 9-94587 

Half of this sum 
is 



hog. 9-55318 =^in time to 

Add equation of time from almanac as date 

Mean time 
Greenwich time, which ad[d] to 1 2 to make it 

greater than Mean time^if not so before 
W^hich we will suppose to l)e 4 H 5 

rain. 3 sec. 

from this subtract mean time 
Which is the Longitude in time 



19.10637 
9-55318 

9 H 12 min. 32 sec. 
8 min. 13 sec. 

9 H 20 min. 45 sec. 



16 H 5 min. 3 sec. 



9 H 20 min. 45 sec. 
6 H 44 min. 18 sec. 
Which by table 21 Bowditcb is Longitude loi deg. 4 min. 30 sec. 

To FIND Lattitudk 



48 deg. 25 min. 
00 00 



28tli Jany 1833 observed 
Index error 

Half altitude 

Suns Semi diameter 

Refraction on Land 
Subtract from 90 deg. 

Suns declination for date 
Latt. 

Mess Samuel & More 

Gent On the other side you have copy of 
agreement, with a note on the back. Should you engage the 30 



48 deg. 
24 deg. 


25 min. 
12 mill. 
16 min. 


30 sec. 
16 sec. 


24 deg. 


28 min. 
I min. 


46 sec. 
00 sec. 


24 deg. 
90 deg. 


27 min. 
00 min. 


46 sec. 
00 sec. 


65 deg. 
18 deg. 


32 min. 
10 min. 


14 sec. 
30 sec. 



47 deg. 21 min. 44 sec. 
CXXXVIII. 

Boston Jany 12th 1834 



i6o] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 103 

men named in my letter of the 20 ulto. 15 of them must agree 
to this note, as it may be desirable to let Sublette have some of the 
taen when I reach the mountains. Mr. Sublette is now with me. 
At his suggestion I request you to consider if men and animals 
could not better be got in some of the lower counties than in 
Jackson and Clay and if so you can make any suitable arrange- 
ment for doing it. Endeavor principally to get French and mules 
and make no advances until I come. Make no agreement with any 
one that you think likely to back out or that you do not think a 
good man. The french are generally much preferable. 

I desire that as soon as you receive this you would send weekl)^ 
to the care of Mess. Von Phul and McGill a statement of what 
you have done, in order that when I arrive at St. lyOuis I may 
know what you have done, and be able to make what purchases 
or engagements [as] are wanted while I am coming up the coun- 
try. 

I shall probably be with you by the middle of April. 

I am Yr. Obt. Servt. Nathl. J. W3^eth 
CXXXIX. 

Boston Jany 14th 1834 
Bro Leond. N. York. 

Mr Sublette requests me to ask 5^ou to in- 
quire at the office for letters for him, and in case you find any 
you can forward them to the care of Tucker & Williams. This 
until the first da^^ of Feb. after which time you can keep them 
and he will get them when he comes. 

I also wish you would inform me as soon as you can if there 
are an^^ red stronds or scarlet cloths to be had in N. York and on 
what terms. If Mr Wm. L, Sublette calls on you he can direct 
his letters to his brother to Mess. T & W as above 
I shall be with you about the 12 th Feb. next 

And I rem Yr Obt Servt N. J. W. 

CXL. 

Boston Jany 15th 1834 
Mr Thomas Nutall 

Dear Sir I write to say that I shall pass 
through Philadelphia sooner than I at first contemplated say 18 
to 2ist Feby. and possibly shall leave St. L,ouisbythe 20th March 
and the upper settlements bj^ the 20th of April. Should you not be 
in Philadelphia when I pass you can join me on the route or at 
St. Louis in which place you will hear of me at Mess. Von Phull 
& McGills. If when you arrive at St. Louis I have gone you 
will then find me at Mess. Samuel and Mores in Liberty Clay 
County where I shall remain until the 20 certainly, perhaps 
longer. 



104 CORREvSPONDKNCE: [i6i 

Hoping- I may have the pleasure of your company from Philad. 
west, I remain Yr. Obt. Servt. Xathl. J. Wyeth. 

CXLI. 

Cambridge Jany 25th 1834 
Saml. L. Dana Esq. (W'altham) 

Dear Sir Altho a stranger I have de- 
sired to call on you to thank you for a piece of servace you 
did me in j'our review of the Book of J no. Wyeth, by Benj Water- 
house. It enhances the obligation that it was done for a stran- 
ger, in his absence, and that it w-as so well done that the liar and 
his pander were annihilated. Much buisness prevents my ac- 
knowledging to you in person, but be assured that I shall take 
with me to the prairies and forests a sense of the favor you have 
conferred on me and those who feel an interest in me. 

I am &c N. J. Wyeth. 

CXLI I. 

Cambridge Jany. 26th 3S34 
?irother Perry Newbury (Vermont) 

Finding that it will be impos- 
sible to visit you as contemplated before leaving these parts, I 
write to say good bye, to 3-0 u and yours. If you wish to write to 
the Sandwach Islands, I will carry letters which I can send by our 
vessell to their destination. I leave this place on the 7th Feb. 
and should 3'our letters reach here a little later they could be for- 
warded to St. Louis. There is little to say at this moment more 
than if good success attends me this time it will be long before I 
shall return but if on the contrary I meet with disasters, I shall 
soon be back and probably be obliged to remain for want of 
means to make a third trial. Mr Sublette is now with me which 
is the reason of my leaving so much sooner than I expected. All 
connections are well. Wife sends her love. 

I am Yr Afte. Bro. Nathl J Wyeth 

CXLIII. 

Cambridge Jany 29th 1834 
Mr Hallett (FMitor of the Boston Dayly Advocate ) 

Dear Sir I have not been able to find the author of the piece 
in your paper of 23rd Jany. 1S33. I leave this for the westward 
f)n the 7th Feb. and therefore can have no farther time to attend 
to this matter. I have not the least doubt that could the author 
of the communication be found he would give Jno. Wyeth as his 
authority. Now as the Book of Jno Wyeth is at variance with 
this communication it onl}^ remains to shew that Jno. Wyeth is 
the author of both to shew that no credit is due to anything that 
he stated. It will be some trouble to you perhaps to find the per- 
son who sent the communication but I have confidence enough 
in vour disposition to see justice done, to ask you to do so, and ask 



r62] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 105 

him for his authority. If he gives Jno. Wyeth, I will then ask 
you to compare the book with the communication and state in 
your paper the difference which 5'ou may find. 

As I conceive, you have inadverently done me an injur}^ It is 
in your power to do me a favor that will more than compensate. 
I ask no more than truth and justice and I have no doubt that 
you will incur a little trouble to render it. 

I am Yr. Obt. Servt Nathl. J. Wyeth. 

CXLIV. 

Cambridge Jany. 31th 1834 
Cousin Noah fHingham) 

Yours of 28 inst. is received. I leave 
this on 7th Feb. but cannot take books across the continent 4000 
miles the risk and transportation would be five times their value. 
Our vessell for this year has gone but one will go yearly b}' which 
any thing may be sent that his friends wish. Articles to be sent 
to Mr Ball should be left with Mess Tucker & Williams Central 
Wharf Boston. If his friends [wish] to send letters I will take 
charge of them with great pleasure and he will get them in 
Sept. next. 

I should have notified Mr Balls friends of this opportunity but 
I did not know where to find them. If the person you mention 
will inform them I will b2 obliged to hitn. Letters for him maybe 
sent to the care of Mess T. & R or Chas. Wyeth Baltimore who 
will forward them to me at St. L,ouis until the loth day of March 
next after which time they cannot overtake me as I shall leave 
the western settlements about the middle of April next. 
Respy Yrs. N. J. Wyeth 

CXLV. 

Boston Feb. 3d 1834 
Bro Charles 

My Indian boys are on board the Hem.[?] Bg. Nitor 
bound for your place. I wish you would watch and on their 
arrival place them at some suitable place to board see that their 
washing is done &c until I come. Buy for them what clothing 
they stand in immediate need of and pay ^20 for their passage. 

I leave this on the 7th inst and shall tarry for a few days in N. 
York to buy goods and be in Balto. about the 15th inst. 
In the mean time I am Yrs. N. J. W. 

CXLVI. 

Boston Feb. 23d[?] 1834 
Mr Wm L. Sublette N. York, 

Dear Sir Your fav. of 30th ulto. is 
at hand. Your brother is here and we leave in company for New 
York on the 7th inst where we shall remain about 5 days then to 
Philad. there remain 2 or 3 more then to Baltimore there re- 



io6 CQRRESPONDKNXP:: [163 

main 2 more. If I do not see you before please leave word with 
my brother in Baltimore where you can be found, as I am anx- 
ious to be in company on the route westward. I place little re- 
liance on any information or on any reports throug"h the Am. F 
Co. especially b)^ Doct. Harrisons hands. There ma}' have some 
small disaster happened and a small one it must be to amt. to no 
more than $7000 when it reached vSt. lyouis throug-h such hatids. 
Vou well know the great pains taken by rival companies in the 
mountains to discredit their opponents. My brother of N. York 
informed me some time since that a draft drawn by Abbot on M. 
(i. Sublette charg-eable to me was shewn him, which having no 
instructions he refused to pa}'. This is all the information I have 
received of this draft. I presume it is [for] supplies for Abbot on 
his passage down. If so for any reasonable amt. I shall pa}- it 
when I see }^ou. 1 regret that you did not forward it to me with 
the account or whatever else it is founded on. Ablx)t never noti- 
fied me that he had drawn such a draft. Had the buisness been 
])roperl}' done I should have avoided having it said that a draft 
on me had l>een returned unpaid. I shall call on Mess (^ill Cam- 
!>el & Co. if I do not see you in N. York, but if you could possi- 
bly wait my arriv^alin N. York it would af[fjordraemuch pleasure . 
I should urge your coming to Boston were it not so late. If you 
think of going to Washington I would like to keep company. 
I am Yr Obt. Servt Nathl. J. W'yeth 

P. S. Miltons foot is I think a little better. 

CXLVII. 

Boston Feb 4th 1834 
Thomas Nuttall Esq. Philad. 

Dear.vSir Your esteemed Fav. of 30th ulto is at hand. 

I leave this on the 7th inst. and may be in Philad b\' the i6th, 
but probably not until i8th or 20th and by the time we can reach 
the Ohio, I think it will be open. I am pleased that there will 
be one more added to our society. x\s he will probabl}' have no 
servant I would not recommend to him to take many goods. His 
stock of clothing would I should think be all that he will require. 
I should advise him to take three mules but three horses or two 
mules would do. What little clothing he may want in the coun- 
try he shall have on such terms that he will have no reason to 
complain. I do not see that he need provide anything before 
reaching vSt. Louis more than he has unless he carrys iviplements 
of scie7ice. 

I will deliver the message to Mr. Brown. I have engaged Capt. 
Thwing^'^ who is well versed in taking observations to accompany 
the expedition and have provided suitable implements. Can you 
get some cherry, peach, apple, pear, apricot, plumb, and nectar- 

■•"riie author spells the name of his Captain with a "w" this first time. 



.164] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 107 

ine stones to take with us? Mr. vSublette is now with me and will 
come on in company. 

' Resply. Yr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth. 
CXLVIII. 

Boston Feb 5th 1S34 
Mr Joseph Thing- 
Sir The following buisness requires to be at- 
tended to before you leave Boston, yiz 

Ship to Baltimore to Mess. W^^eth & Norris 

7 tents and 45 oil covers, which find at Bell & Cowlevs 
Indian Rubber Boat " " " Tucker & Williams 

Two Traveling Cases " " " B. C. Weld Camb. 

100 Beaver Traps " " " Brainerds. 

Also bring on with you a memorandum of all the bills Charged 
by Tucker & Williams to the overland expedition in order that I 
may have with me the means of knowing at any time the amt. 
invested in this part of the buisness. At N. York and Baltimore 
of the gentlemen to whom I give a^ou letters you will obtain far- 
ther advices from me provided you do not find me with them. 

'& N. J. W. 

CXLIX. 

Boston Feb. 5th 1834 
Bro Chas. 

The bearer is Capt. Jos. Thing who goes out with me 
as the second in command. Whatever buisness I leave with you 
relating to this expedition or an}' letters to me you will please 
hand over to him, and shew him such attention as may be in 
your power and oblige 

yr. Afte. Bro. X. J. Wyeth 

CL. 

Thursday evening Feb 4th 1834 Boston. 
Mess. Tucker & Williams Boston 

Gent 

I do not think the traps 
will be according to sample therefore it will be requisite to ex- 
amine them carefully and compare them with thepat[t]ern, which 
is in Brainerds possession. They should be equalh' well finished 
with the pat[t]ern and by contract are to be set for one week and 
then rejected if the springs do not come vip fair or are broken. I 
have agreed, if he would have all of them finished by the 7th Feb. 
to give him $15 over and above the contract. If Brainerd will 
not agree to have them set on board the Packett and take back 
all that do not prove good on their arrival in Baltimore, it will be 
requisite to retain them in Boston one week in order to trs' them 
by setting at the end of which time, if the springs are unbroken 
and come up fair and they are as well finished as the sample he 



io8; CORRESPONDK^'CK: [1-65 

will be entitled to $165 for one Hundred traps, this provided they 
are delivered to you on the 7 inst. but if delivered after that time 
he is only entitled to 150$ 

I am Yr. Obt. Servt. Xathl. J. Wyeth. 

CU. 

Providence Feb 4th 1834 
Jno Pickering" Rsq. 

Dear Sir 

Your favor of Feb 4th reached me 
onlv last evening- consequently I could not call on you as request- 
ed. It is not in my power to answer the queries contained in 
your letter from memor\' but I will preserve the vocabulary 
which you sent and endeavour to give the information desired at 
some future time. Probably I will write to you ag-ain before 
leaving the States and after rejoining the Indians, but if I should 
not do this I will on the first occasion write you from beyond the 
mountains. 

If you wish to write me on these subjects your letters 
will reach me by being left at Mess. Tucker & Williams 011 
Central Wharf, both before I leave the States and afterward, and 
be assured that it would afford me much pleasure to give any in- 
formation in my ^X)wer. 

I am &c X. J. W. 
To Jno, Pickering Esq. 

[A letter to F. Tudor Esq., Boston, written F'eb. 7th, from Provi- 
dence is omitted. It is devoted exclusively to explanations of 
suggested improvements in the process of harvesting ice.] 

CLII. 

New York Fel) loth TS34 
Mess. Tucker & Williams (Boston) 

Gent Your letter of the 9th inst. was received today containing let- 
ter and copy of letter from Mess. Samuel & More. The copy is 
in answer to one of mine of Dec. 4th 1S33 and the letter was 
written about the same time and contains nothing important. An 
answer to all that is contained in these two letters is in letters 
which I wrote to these two gentlemeii on the 20th Dec. and 
Jany 7th 8th and 12th last which they appear not to have re- 
ceived at the date of their writing. A copy of these letters I 
would forward to you but have not time to write them off. 

I hope you will see that the traps are good. His engagement 
was to have them done by the 7th. I do not know if he is 
bound to notify you of their being done. It is important to get 
them as soon as possible. 



i66] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 109 

I shall write you as often as anything transpires of interest and 
in the meantime hope that you are not affected by the late 
failures. 

Will you have the goodnees to send me amt. of the 
balance to my Cr. on your books in your next as I wish to enter 
it against you in my new books and have mislaid the ace, which 
you rendered. 

I am &c N. J. W. 

CLIII. 

N. York Feb. loth 1S34 
Wra. L. Sublette Esq. Philad 

Dear Sir I arrived here in co with 
Milton yesterday Mng. and was disappointed in not finding you 
here, and write to say that we shall probably be in Philad. by 
the 1 6th and there hope to see you, 

I am &c N. J. W 

CLIV. 

N. York Feb nth 1S34 
Mess Thomas C. Rockhill & Co. (Philad) 

Gent I have notice[d] that Mr Samuel of the firm of Samuel & 
More of Liberty Missouri left for your city on the 6th of Jany. I 
am very desirous of seeing him. Will you have the goodness to 
inform him that I shall remain here until the i6th inst. and 
then come to Philadelphia, provided you know where he is 
at this time. 

And oblige Yr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth 

CLV. 

N York Feb nth 1S34 
Bro Charles (Balto) 

I have your fav. of the [oth of Jany last. 
I leave this on the i6th and remain but one day in Philadelphia 
and then to your city and hope to see you once more. 

Yr. Afte. Bro. N. J. W. 

CLVI. 

New York Feb nth 1834 
Mess Tucker & Williams Boston 

Gent Finding that there would be 
some cash bills to be paid here I have this day drawn on you at 
sight for 600$ No i, which will probably be all this side the 
Aleganies at less time than six months. 

I am &c N. J. Wyeth 



no. CORRESPONDEXCK: [167 

CLVII. 

N. York Feb 12th 1833 [4I 
Mess Tucker & Williams Boston 

Gent Herewith you have duplicate of 
my letter of yesterday and copy of letter to Samuel & More 
which last will give you a view of the present state of affairs 
with them. 

I am &c N. J. Wyeth. 

CLVIII. 

New York Feb 12th 1S34 
Wm. I^. Sublette FvSq. (Philad) 

Dear Sir Yours of the 6th inst was re- 
ceived b}^ way of Boston today An answer to its contents has 
already been sent you and I presume you have received it l:>efore 
this. I only write to say that Milton leaves this in the morning; 
for your city and I shall be there bv the 16 and will expect to 
find you at Gill Campbell & Co. 

I am &c N. J. Wyeth. 

CLIX. 

New York Feb 12 th 1H34 
Mess Tucker & Williams (Boston) 

Gent Your fa v. of loth inst is at hand. 
If the Black smith will not consent to the traps being sent to 
Baltimore and abide the result on their examination there thej^ 
must be tried by setting one week in Boston and as soon there- 
after as possible have them forwarded to Mess W^yeth & Norris. 
If sent by the 24th inst I shou[l]d get them in season but I would 
take none after the 20th including time of trs^al. I note what 
you say as to residue of goods and of Capt Thing. 

In regard to drafts from the mountains the}" cannot be made 
on Samuel & More but must l>e made on some first rate house in 
St. lyouis or on the bank as arranged. 

In regard to the $6000 which I am to draw' on you for from 
St. Louis I may make an arrangement with Samuel «& More for a 
part, but I have not yet seen him and do not know where to find 
him, but have w-ritten to Philadelphia, but at the same time I 
would not like to make an arrangement with him for the whole. 
I request that you will immediately furnish me with a credit in 
in St. Louis of at least 3000$. If Thomas C. Rockhill & Co 
would accept my drafts there would be no trouble at least I think 
so, or if you would make yourselves known to Mess Von Phull 
& Mc Gill of vSt Louis I think that would answer, but I can not pick up 
horses cheap without cash in hand nor can I wait until I get to 
Liberty to get it. for I must make some purchases before. As I 



i68] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONvS. in 

leave this 2 da^'S hence and then make haste westward you must 
be aware that there is not a moment to loose in this matter. 

I am yr obt Servt N. J. Wyeth. 
P. S. Your next please address to the care of Mess Grant & Stone 
Philad. 

[The following is written across the above letter: Do not omit 
to have all the chains sent whether the traps are or not.] 
[A letter to Frederic Tudor, Esq., Boston, dated "N. York Feb 
12 1834" is omitted. Like that of the 7th inst. to Mr. Tudor 
it contains only suggestions pertaining to the management of the 
"ice business." Mr. WVeth closes the letter by sa3dng, "Excuse 
the liberty I take in these matters I cannot forget the habit of 
thinking that I have still something to do with ice"] 

CLX. 
New York Feb 15th 1834 
Bro Jacob. (Galena) 

I leave this place on my way west on the 15th 
inst. and shall be in St. Louis from the 5th to the loth 
[of] April and would be much pleased to see you there. The ur- 
gency of m}^ buisness prevents mjr coming to see you, otherwise I 
would do so. I have in charge for you some books which I shall 
send from St. Louis to you if I do not see vou there. 
I am Yr. Afte. Bro. N J Wyeth 

CLXI. 

N York Feb 14th 1834 
Rev Jason Lee. (Baltimore) 

Dear Sir. I have received your fav. of 
nth inst in answer to which sa}^ that I leave this cit}^ to mor- 
row morning and proceed directly west and remain but five or six 
davs at St. Louis. You will hear of me in St, Louis by calling 
on' Mess Von Phull & McGill. 

I think I received and answered a line from some one in west- 
ern Mass. but am not certain. 

&c &c N. J. W. 

CIvXIl. 

New York Feb. 14th 1834 
Mess. Tucker & Williams (Boston) 

Gent On the other side you have 
a list of drafts drawn on 3^ou up to this date also a list of bills 
paid. I am obliged to keep the originals as vouchers in making 
up the invoices for Sublette. I shall forward them from the up- 
per settlements b}^ private hand and in the mean time shall con- 
tinue to forward only lists of bills. 

The good[s] from this place I shall ship to Baltimore by sea, be- 
ing cheaper and will be in time. Enclosed 3^ou have all the ma- 
terials for invoicing if you deem expedient. If you write me as 



CORRESPONDENCE: 



[169 



earl}^ as the i6th you can direct to the care of Mess Wyeth & 
Norris Baltimore but if later and until the i8th to the care of 
Josiah Lawrence & Co. Cincinati, after which time to the care 
of Mess Von Phull & McGill St. Louis and they will forward the 
letters to me wherever I may be at the time. 

I am yr. obt. Servt. N. J. W. 

(Enclosing bill of lading, and drafts drawn to date and bills paid.) 

viz. 

No. I Feb 1 1 th fav. of Cripps & Wyeth sight 600. 

" F. Gebard 6 month:; 149. §5 

" R. H. Osgood & Co 8 months 253. 

" F. B. Rhodes 6 months 388. oS 

" Robbins & Painter 6 months 484.92 

" Sindam & Jackson 6 months 571-75 

'• Wolf & Clark 6 months 484.65 



14 
14 



Bills paid 



Feb. 13 Jno H. Albee 

'' Smith & 

" N. H. Weeld & Co 

*•' Girding & Siemon 

IS 

" Piatt Stout & Tngoldsby 

" Hide Hitchcock & Greenman 

" Baily Ward & Co. 

" W. &. E Clark 

" Strv'ker & Smith 

" R. H. Osgood & Co. 

" E. D. Sprague & Co. 

" E. J. & E. White 



No. I 

" 2 

3 
" 4 

" 5 
'■' 6 

7 
8 



8.87 

5-85 

13-50 

17-37 

17-5S 

3-38 

3.00 

11.50 

61.09 

18.86 

253,00 

11.94 

39,00 



9 
" 10 
" II 

" 12 
" 13 

N. J. W. 

[The following is written across the face of the above letter] 

P. S. Out of the 2543.59 deduct, not shipped by the Othello 

20 rifles 200.00 

2 spades 1.75 

30 doz.ScalpingknivesLPJ41.25 





2 


43.00 or 




$2300.59 to be invoiced 








Bill to F. B. Rhodes 


No 14 




$388.08 


" " F. Gebard 


" 15 




149.85 


" " Robbins & Painter 


" 16 




484.92 


" " Sindam & Jackson 


" 17 




571-75 


" " Wolf & Clark 


*' 18 




484.65 



i7o] WYETH'vS OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 113 

CLXIII. 

N. York Feb 14th 1834 
Capt Jos Thing (present) 

Sir You will please call on Mess. Wolf 
& Clark Pearl St. and ascertain if they have shipped to Mess 
Wyeth & Norris Baltimore some Rifles and Indian Knives forme 
and if so you will bring on with you the bills lading but if they 
have not you will bring these goods with you by the boats and 
railroads provided this route is open but if it is not you will have 
to ship them which do by the first vessell. 

This is all that occurs to my mind now. You will attend to 
any suggestion which Mess. Cripps & Wyeth may give in relation 
to this buisness, and oblige yrs &c N. J. W. 

P. S. There are at Wolf & Clarks 20 rifles, 2 spades, and 30 
doz scalping knives. 

CLXIV. 

Philadelphia Feb i8th 1834 
Capt Thing 

Dear Sir Having found the cloths which I wanted in 
this place, it becomes expedient to have the goods still in N.York 
forwarded as soon as possible, therefore please bring them on by 
the Boats and Rail Road as soon as you can get them. 
Yrs &c N J Wyeth 

CLXV. 

Philadelphia Feb iSth 1834 
Bro. L[e]ond 

I have found in this place the Scarlett Cloths which 
I wanted, will you have the goodness to inform Mr. Stewart that 
he need not buy an}^ on our ace. 

Please forward any letters that may come to you for me on or be- 
fore the 19th inst. to care of Charles Balto. 

And believe me vr. afte. Bro. 

Nathl. J. Wyeth 

CLXVI. 

Philadelphia Feb. i8th 1834 
Bro. L[e]ond. (N. York) 

Herewith I introduce to your acquaintance Mr. E. M, Samuel 
of Liberty Missouri. I have received from him the utmost kind- 
ness and attention when it was particularly acceptable. Anyatten- 
tention that you shew him will much oblige me. 

I hope 3'ou are by this much better than when I left you and 
am anxious to get a letter from you informing me of the state of 
3'our health. 

Yr Afte. Bro. N. J. Wyeth 



114 CORRESPONDENCK: [i 71 

CLXVII. 
Philadelphia Feb. i8th 1S34 
Mess Tucker & Williams (Boston) 

Gent I have seen Mr. Samuel. He assures me that the buis- 
ness of purchasing mules and horses is going on as fastas economy will 
permit and thinks we will have no difficulty as to men or animals. 

I do not feel like trusting to any particular house at the west- 
ward for funds, inasmuch as by possibilit}'^ they might not be 
able to give me the amt. of cash that I might want. The amt. 
disbursed by you in Boston with what I have already drawn for 
is about $3900 and possibly here or at Cincinati I may draw for 600$ 
more and $2000 w^hich you arranged for through Rockhill & Co. 
This wdll leave of the original sum of $16000 $9500 of which amt. 
5500$ [are reserved] to meet my drafts from the mountains [pay- 
ment] must be made through the bank as arranged. 

r have procured from Mess Grant & vStone letters of credit 
backed by one from Mess T. C. Rockhill & Co. and you will 
please forward to Mess Grant & Stone authority to draw on you 
for 4000$ at sight whenever they have paid my drafts to that or a 
less amount. Also please forward the letters of credit from the 
Cashier of the Branch in Boston to the Cashier of the Branch in 
St. Louis to the care of Mess \'on Phull & McGill. 

Herewith you have notice of bill drawn on you from this 
place and also bills paid here also duphcate list of bills drawn on 
you from N. York as per my letter of 14th inst. 

I leave for Baltimore at 7 in the morning and Remain, 
Yr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth. 

ci.xviir. 

Philadelphia Feb iSth 1S34 
Mess Grant & Stone 

Gent Since seeing you it has occured to my mind to request 
you to forward letters if any should come for me to the care of 
Mess. Wyeth & Norris of Baltimore. Also to say that my first 
draft on you will be No. 10, and follow in regular series till 
the amt. is completed. 

I am Yr Obt. vServt X. J. W. 

CLXIX. 

Philad. Feb iSth 1S34 
^Q^pt Thing, 

Dear Sir I write merely to say that there is noth- 
ing for you to attend to in this place except to call on Geo. W. 
Carpenter Druggist Markett St. and see Mr. Nuttall and let him 
know that you are going on, he wishes to keep company with 
vou. 

Yr &c X. J. Wyeth. 



172] WYRTH'S OREGON. EXPEDITIONS. 115 

CLXX. 

Balto. Feb 20th 1S34 
Col. E. W. Metcalf Boston 

Dear Sir Your esteemed fav. of 8th inst. 
reached me on mj^ arrival here last night. In regard to the sub- 
ject of it I think you have a right to suspect almost any thing 
(from that quarter) but I assure you that I have no knowledge 
in regard to it. I am well aware that what you state in regard 
to the contract was common report at the time but I have not the 
slightest idea of what prevented its going into effect. 

I desire you would believe that there is no desire on my part 
to withold information on this or any other subject and should be 
at all times pleased to correspond with you. 

Respy. Yr Obt Servt. N. J. Wyeth. 
CLXXI. 

Balto. Feb. 20th 1834 
Mrs Deborah Powers (Lansingburg New Troy N Y.) 

Madam Your fav. I have received, and most gladly com- 
municate the information j^ou desire. Please direct your letter to 
the care of Mess von Phull and McGill of St Louis to reach there 
by the 15th April. I have frequently endeavored to find the 
directions of Mr Balls friends but had not succeeded. 

You may be assured that your brother shall want nothing that 
I can supply on my arrival out. I will make some enquiries 
about the Box which 3'ou speak of. 

And Remain Yr Obt. N. J. W^-eth 

CLXXII. 

Baltimore Feb. 21st 1834 
Capt Thing Balto. 

Dear Sir I leave here bills lading for Two Cases 
goods for Wm. G. Sublette, also Bills lading for goods from Phil- 
delphia also Bills lading of goods from N. York and the Bills 
lading sent by you from N. York. In addition to these goods 
you will have those from Boston of which I presume you have 
the bills lading, as they have not been sent me. On the receipt 
of all these goods you will have the Cases &c overhauled and 
made strong and put them on board the wagons for Wheeling or 
Pitsburgh taking receipt for the same in the usual manner. Have 
its weight marked on each box, in order that there may be no 
need of weighing more than once. If by the time 3^ou have done 
this the traps have not come, you will leave them behind, in which 
case I have left directions with Mess WA^eth and Norris to take 
care of them. All charges incurred of the Two Cases of Wm. G. 
Sublette you will keep separate. Pay all bills here and take and 
preserve all the bills and bring them on. 



ii6 CORRESPONDENCE: [173 

I leave here $150 for you which I have charged to yon. You 
will call on Mess. Josiah Lawrence & Co. of Cincinati where I 
will leave a line for you 

[No signature.] 
P. S. You will manage the reshipping the goods when it is 
requisite. You will find here 2 cases marked S. 16 and 17 and a 
barrel [marked] S No iS. 

CLXXIII. 

[No date.] 
Mr Eraden burgh [?] 

Dear Sir You will oblige me by seeing that 2 cases 
goods for Sublette and Campbell and one for me per the Union 
line from Phila. are brought to the store also if goods from Bos- 
ton or N. York should arrive before Capt Thing comes have them 
brought to the store. All these goods are to be sent to Wheeling 
or Pit.sburgh and you will oblige me by putting Capt. Thing in 
the way of doing this in the best manner and advise him as to the 
suitableness of the cases. Expenses to be paid by Capt Thing. 

vShould any goods come after Capt Thing leaves this you will 
oblige me by forwarding them to Von PhuU & McGill St. Louis 
in the best manner. Some traps are the only [things] which! 
now expect will be too late for Capt Thing and the expenses on 
these Mess Wyeth & Norris will pay and and collect the same of 
Mess. Tucker & Williams of Boston. Please address me to the 
care of Mess \'on PhuU & Mc Gill of St. Louis. 

There is here a package of letters for Wm. G. Sublette also the 
two cases goods which please deliver [to] him. You will find 
him at Bells House[?] on Saturday or Monday. If he wishes 
the goods can come on with Capt. Thing. 

All letters for me you will please forward to the care of Mess. 
Von PhuU & McGill St. Louis and if Bills of lading are wanted 
for the goods from Boston vou open letters for me to find them. 

N. J. W 

CLXXIV. 

Baltimore Feb. 21st 1834 
Mess. Tucker & Williams Boston 

Gent. Herewith you have duplicate notice 
of draft drawn on you from Philad. and notice of draf[t] from 
this place, and list of Bills paid here. I have lef[t] with Wj'eth & 
Norris $150 to the Cr. of Capt Thing for the payt. of freight of 
goods out. 

List of Bills paid here 

No. 21, Wyeth & Norris 35- 18 

" 22, Thomas Tyson 35-93 

" 23, Densmore & Kyle 69.78 

Duplicate notice draf[t] as per letter of F'eb. iSth from Philad. 



174] WYRTH'vS OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 117 

viz Liter Price & Co 6 months, 230. 1 8. Draft Drawn from this 
place Feb. 20th fav. of Mess. Wyeth & Norris $300.00 at sight. 

I am to leave this to morrow morning therefore in [the] future 
please address all vour letters to the care of Mess Von Phull & 
McGill of St Louis. ' 

I am yr obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth 

CLXXV. 

Baltimore Feb 22nd 1S34 
Capt Thing (Baltimore) 

Dear Sir Since mine of yesterday it has 
occurred to me that it would be well to try an observation with 
oar instrument during the time that you will be waiting for the 
goods, this in order to see that 5^ou have all the requisites and 
such as are suitable. If you find any thing deficient you will pur- 
chase it here if possible. The sextant had better cross the mount- 
ains in your trunk if you can find the room. You will examine 
the two cases carefully and see that all is tight. The bbl. of Rum 
at Wyeth & Norris will require to be carefully examined to see 
if it is tight and the Boxes should be hooped. 

If you find that there is not enough money left for you you 
will obtain more by shewing that more is requisite of W5'eth & 
Norris. 

I am Yr. Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth 

CIvXXVI. 

Pitsburg March [Feb.] 26th 1834 
Capt Thing 

Dear Sir Since writing 3^ou at Baltimore it has oc- 
curred to me that some medicines for the clap and pox may be 
wanted the men often contract these disorders before they leave 
the settlements and unless there are some remedys the conse- 
quences are bad often inducing the men to desert in order to obtain 
relief. They should be of small bulk and little cost, and please 
get them at the first place that you can find them. Of these 
medicines we have plenty on the Brig and probably very few 
cases will occurs before we reach her. 

I am Yr. Obt. Servt. Nath. J. Wyeth 

CLXXVII. 

Pitsburgh Feb 26th 1834 
Dear Wife (Camb. ) 

Since leaving home have had good luck enough 
to get so far and being detained here one day have time 
to write you. About the time this reaches you it will be time to 
get the things about the house in order. Please send my comp- 
liments to Mr. Weld and request him to see to it the small trees 
must be dug round except those set out last fall. Have them all 
trimmed but tak[e] off only dead branches. Have the the fences 



iiS CORRESPONDKN'CH: [175 

righted up and all things made decent, in order that when I 
send any friend to you you ma}- be able to receive him. 

Give my love to all friends and excuse this short letter. I 
have many to write and am unused to writing to ladys any way. 
Yr afte Husband X.J. \V. 

CLXXVIII. 

Pittsburgh Feb. 26th 1S34 

F Tudor Esq. (Boston) 

Sir Your fav. of 17 inst. came to hand at 
Baltimore. The very flattering and liberal expressions used in it 
demand an acknowledgement. I am quite well aware of the 
value of testimonials from such a source and persuaded that I owe 
to similar ones the power to proceed in an enterprise which you 
are pleased to say has disippainted some of your expectations. 

It affords me mnch pleasure to hear that the ice buisness is 
like to assume an importance worthy of the perseverance and 
talent bestowed on it for so many years. If true satisfaction is to 
be found it must be I think in the success of ones plans against 
the current of the worlds opinions and the ridicule of fools. I do 
not doubt that the extended ideas which you take of the buisness 
are sound and the belief affords me gratification unalloyed except 
by a fear that I shall have no part in the excitement of the strife 
or the glory of victory. 

While you are successfull in N. Orleans these oppositions in 
Charleston are not of so much account, and up to the time that I 
left circumstances to me indicated an unexampled success in these 
but other p[l]aces aside I am persuaded that experience enables 
vou to manage an opposition to perfection. 

In regard to my returning to the ice buisness I can only say 
that "I am pledged" to the buisness I am in, as long as those con- 
cerned in it carry it on in the right spirit but I will not suffer 
small and parsimonious views, in others, to ruin me past redemption, 
or consume my time and prevent me from availing of a great op- 
portunity. I consider the buisness I am now in as of sure result 
but will not yield adequate returns until the third year. In the 
mean time if those concerned fail in confidence or preseverance 
all is ruin and I shall not again essay to trouble the waters of 
these seas. Having engaged good fait[h] impels me to leave noth- 
ing undone to make this thing successfull and if so to pursue it 
for the benefit of all, but if they put this out of my power and you 
are inclined I shall then return on the best terms I can to the ice 
buisness. 

I shall write you at all opportunities and next from the 
rendezvous in the Rocky mountains when I will give you any in- 
dication that may then appear as regards the probable result of 
this buisness. 



176] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 119 

I note the kind wishes at the end of your letter if mine in re- 
turn are an equivalent )'0u have plent}' of them and be assured 
sincere. I am vr. obt. Servt. 

Nathl J Wyeth. 
CLXXIX. 

Pit^burgh Feb 26th 1834 
Mess Tucker & Williams (Boston) 

Gent Some conversation while 
on m}- route hither and a previous acquaintance has induced me 
to give letters of introduction to Mr. Ira Smith of St. Louis direct- 
ed to you. He thinks of visiting Boston on his return from Santa 
Fee and if so he will present them at that time and also to com- 
municate to you the following ideas. The present letter on this 
subject is only intended to call your attention [to the matter] in 
order that you may collect what information you can in regard to 
it, and if such examination is favorable to the project and after 
those in hand now have been made to pay and leisure afforded to 
establish new sources of profit then to take hold of it. The fol- 
lowing statement is my view of the Santa Fee buisness, derived 
however from superficial observation, viz 
First cost of goods carried to St Fee and duties paid 

the Mexican Government $100,000 

Outfits and expenses on same 50,000 

Profits and interest in the States between the importer 

and the St Fee Trade 25,000 

$175000 
Returns made from St. Fee in Specie and Beaver $200000 

Profits remaining to the -St. F'ee Traders $ 25000 

This is I presume about the result of the trade. The goods 
are carried to St Fee by about 30 distinct traders in about 75 
wagons. The largest trader has rarely more than 1 2 wagons. 
More than one half of these people are farmers and buy their 
goods on 1 2 months, and often mortgage their farms and conse- 
quently are obliged to make returns the same year, and will not 
follow the trade more than one year with bad success under any 
clrcumstaaces and certainly' not when you consider that unless 
there is a sufficient company it is not possible to go through on 
the Sta Fee route. The idea that I have is this (when we are 
ready to make such large investments) take $50000 first cost of 
goods to the mouth of the Columbia with say $5000 in silver to 
pay the duties transport them up countr^^ and encamp there 
near Sta Fee and enter only to the amt. of 5000$ duties from the 
sale of these goods get the means to enter the residue. The 
mildness of the climate west of the mountains will enable to bring 
these goods to Santa Fee two months earlier than the St. Louis 
traders will come during which time considerable sales will be 



T20 CORRRvSPOXDrCNCK: [177 

made when they come put the goods down so that they must loose 
at the same time buy them out so that they will loose a little. 
They must return in about 2 months, after which time and dur- 
ing the rest of the year goods will resume their accustomed prices. 
The sales of the first year will probably be one half consumed in 
purchases made. I do not believe that a companj^ could be got to 
go from St Louis the next year if so a very small one and 
must be treated the same as the first after which time I think it 
is a matter of absolute certainty that we should get the whole 
trade. I have not made the requisite enquiries but do not 
calculate on any saving of distances by taking the goods from the 
Columbia but only of duties merch[an]ts profits in States and 
animals and in transporting to which there will be an ofifsett of in- 
terest. I think that after the 3d year one third of all the re- 
turns of the trade might be profit. The route from the Columbia to 
Santa Fee is the same in part as to the mountains and the returns 
such as would not interfere materially with the cargo of Salmon 
being entirely Beaver and specie. 

Mr. Smith is Brother of the Smith killed on the Sta Fee route 
in 1829. He bears an excellent reputation here and thinks he 
would put $EOOoo into such a buisness. He has been two years in 
this trade and is the largest Dealer in it. If anything should be done 
it would require another partner in the Indian country, and I 
presume no better person could be found. I object however to 
anv further proceeding in this matter other than collecting 
information until what we have now in hand has proved itself 
which will be about three 3-ears then if successfuU and it be found 
expedient, I am for it. In the mean time let us blow the coals, 
that the fire in Smiths mind may not go out. It is a buisness 
that he opened to me and I think that he may be kept in tow 
until we are ready to say yes or no. 

I am desirous to get the Hudsons Bay Cos. public sales in Lon- 
don and all other information touching furs that can be obtained 
which please forward by next vessell 

I am 3^-. obt. Servt. N. J. W. 
CLXXX. 

Wheeling Feb 27th 1S34 
Mr. Jno. Bradenburgh [?] Baltimore 

Dear Sir There is a package of letters for 
Mr. \Vm. L. Sublette at the store which please have forwarded to 
the care of Mess A. and G. W. Can & Co St Louis. The 
Goods w^hich belong to Mr. Wm. Ct.''= Sublette you will please 
have forwarded with mine 
&c N. J. W. 

■^^*he second initial of Wm. Sublette's name was uniformly written as "G" 
in the letter book. A reviser has however written an "L" over the "G" in 
almost every instance. The "'L" has alone been given wherever it thus 
occurs. 



178] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 121 

CIvXXXI. 

Cincinati Feb 28th i833[4] 
Capt Thing Present, 

Dear Sir I leave here no buisness for you to 
attend to but wish you would call at the Post Office in Louisville 
where if I purchase any thing I shall leave a letter for you. 
Should 3'ou be in want of money here you will obtain it of Mess. 
Josiah Lawrence & Co. 

I am Yr obt Servt. N J Wyeth 

CLXXXII. 

Cincinati March ist 1834. 
Mess Tucker & Williams Boston 

Gent Yours of i8th ulto. received 
here. What you sa}' of the traps is good. I presume that you 
have rec[e]ived notice before this that Capt. Thing joined me in 
N.York, and of the arrangement I made in regard to drafts from 
St Louis. From this place I drew on you for $300 in fav. of 
Lawrence & Co sight. I purchase no goods here Sublette pre- 
ferring to bu3^ his Powder in St. Louis which is better for us. 
$165 of this money goes to pay a draft which Abbot drew on 
me in fav, of Mr. Sublette of which I had no notice until lately 
and did not justly owe but choose to pay to save discredit. After 
I have finished spending I shall endeavour to forward means by 
which 3^ou will be in funds to the extent of my deficiency so far 
as I shall then know it but am afraid that if money continues as 
present in Boston I shall not be able to come quite up to the 
mark. 

Duplicate notice 

Draft fav. of Mess. Wyeth & Norris [at] sight for $300.00 
F'eb. 20th 1834 

N. J. W. 

CLXXXIII. 

Cincinnati March ist 1834 
Mess Grant & Stone Philad. 

Gent I write onl}^ to inform you that my 
first draft w411 be from St Louis No 1 1 having since I wrote you 
had occasion to draw one draft more on Boston than I expected 
And remain yr obt Servt N J W^ 

CLXXXIV. 

Louisville March 3d 1834 
Mess Allison and Anderson Louisville 

Gent. For fear that in the hurry of 
buisness you might forget m^^ directions I recapitulate viz Mark 
from 20 upwards. W. and ship to Mess Von Phull & McGill of 



122 CORRKSPONDKN'CE: [179 

St. Louis b}' first direct opportunity. Capt. Thing- calls on you 
l>efore you have done this deliver them to him, 

and oblige Yr Obt. Servt. X. J. W. 

CLXXXV. 

Louisville March 3d 1834 
Capt. Thing" (Louisville) 

Dear Sir You will find at Mess Alli- 
sons & Andersons 3 bbls Alcohol and 1 1 packages Tobacco, 
provided they do not ship the same before you arrive in this place 
in which case vou will proceed direct to St. Louis. 

I am &c N J Wyeth 

CLXXXvr. 

Louisville March 4th 1834 
Mess Von Phull & McGill St. Louis 

Gent Above you have Bill Lading of 
some goods which if they arrive before me please receive and take 
care of until I come 

And oblige Yr Obt Servt. N. J. W 

(Enclosing Bill Ladings 1 1 packages Tobacco, 3 bbls alcohol 
and 3 coils of manilla rope.) 

CLXXXVII. 

Louisville March 5th 1834 
Mess. Tucker & Williams (Boston) 

Gent Permit me introduce to your accjuain- 
tance Mr Ira G. Smith from him you can obtain much useful in- 
formation in regard to the Santa Fee buisness in w^hich he has 
been engaged some years. Any assistance which you can 
render him in Boston will much oblige your 

Obt. Ser\'t Nathl. J. Wyeth 

CLXXXVIII. 

Louisville March 4th 1S34 
Mr. Jas. Brown Boston 

Dear Sir Herewith I introduce to your ac- 
quaintance Mr. Ira G Smith. Any politeness or attention which 
3^ou can shew him will much oblige 

3^our old friend Nathl. J. Wyeth 

CLXXXIX. 

Louisville March 5th 1S34 
Bro. Charles (Baltimore) 

Allow me to introduce Mr. Ira G. Smith 
an acquaintance of mine to you. He is just from Santa Fee and 
will amuse you with long storys of Indians &c. Shew him what 
attention vou can and oblige 

Yr afte Bro Nathl. J. Wyeth 



i8o] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 123 

One of the above to I^eond. I. W3'eth. 

CXC. 

St. Louis March loth 1834 
Mess Samuel & More 

Gent. Since mine of 12th ulto. I have 
not heard from you and do not know what you have done in re- 
gard to Horses, mules and men and desire that as soon as possi- 
ble you would inform me. I shall engage here if possible 20 men 
but shall not purchase animals. The riding saddles please get as 
heretofore ordered. 

While in Philadelphia I saw Mr. Samuel with whom I ar- 
ranged in regard to money matters and he informed me that he 
had written you on the subject. In addition to the monej^ that 
you have received from Mess Von Phull & McGill and the letter 
of Cr. from T. C. Rockhill & Co. I shall want about $3000 
which in all will be about 5400^. Please inform me if this will 
[be] convenient at your earliest opportunity. 

And oblige Yr Obt Servt Nathl. J. Wyeth. 

CXCI. 

St. Louis March nth 1834 
Mr Jas. Brown 

Dear Sir Expecting, as usual, to be a little 
short of fulfilling my engagements to the company with which I 
am concerned I have to request of you the favor of getting a dis- 
count for me provided they call for it. 

I have left with Tucker & Williams a note against F. Tudor 
for $300 also one against Jonas Wyeth 2nd$iooo, These you know 
are perfectly good and if not formal can be used collateralh- 
and are due about the ist Sept and Dec. next. If you are not at 
liberty to endorse owing to stipulations with your partners 3^ou 
might probably get the Colonel by 7£'av of iviportance to do it 
or some one else. If you will exert your self in this matter you 
will essentially serve me. I shall write to T & W. to call on 
5^ou for this purpose if the}^ find it requisite. 

Yours of the 17 ulto. was received am sorry your neighbors are 
cracking and glad that 5^ou are not. Shall write you again just 
as I leave the world. 

Yr Afte Friend, N. J. W. 

CXCII. 

St. lyouis March nth 1S34 
Mess Grant & Stone 

Gent. This is to inform you that I have this 
daj' drawn on 5'ou for $1000 at 10 daj^s sight fav- Mess, of A. and 



124 



CORRESPONDENCK: [iSi 



G. W. Ken"'- No ii for the amt. of which please draw on Mess. 
Tucker & WilUams Boston as arrang-e[d] and oblige 

yr. ob Servt. X. J. W 
CXCIII. 

St. Louis March 13th 1S34 
Mess Tucke[r] & Williams Boston 

Gent. Your favours of the 1 8th and 22nd 
ulto. are at hand. I presume you have before this received my 
letter of 21st Feb from Baltimore and 26th ulto from. Pitsburgh. 
Your letters of Cr. on the Branch Bank here for $4000 I shall not 
be able to use and I have already drawn from this place on Mess. 
Grant & Stone for $1000 10 days sight. For remaining $3000 
of this credit I shall endeavour to get the time provided by 3'our 
letters with the bank, from Samuel and More. But Mr. Samuel 
having gone to Liberty the day before your letters were received 
and having made an arrangement with him it might be a serious 
disappointment to him not to obtain my bills to make his pay- 
ments at the East but still it will amt. to about the same thing as 
the bills will be drawn much later. Had your letter arrived one 
day earlier I should have avoided drawing say No. 11 at so 
short a sight. The Cr. of $5500 to be used from the Mountains is 
entireh' satisfactory. 

The Traps will be in Season under ordinary- circumstance and I 
have taken out an open policy for $3300 from Pitsburg to this 
place on such goods as may be shipped at i pr ct. 

I note that you have written to Mess Samuel & More. Mr. 
Coxe charges on drafts one per ct. and Interest 6 pr ct. I 
have hired here for 3 years one man $300 pr An. one for $250 
per An. 18 at $250 for 18 mos. time to expire in the Indian 
country. Advances and Horses will exceed the estimate I think 
but can not yet say how much. I arrived here the loth inst 
having had as I believe the Cholera on the route but am now well. 

Fitzpatric was robbed by the Crow Indians of his horses and 
goods but has made 2300 lbs. Beaver and 2 of his parties not 
heard from when he w^rote. Should his other parties do as well 
it will be a good hunt after all. 

Seaton sends out a party of about 40 men and we propose to 
join company through the dangerous country. This with super- 
numeraries will make us about t 20 strong enough to flog all the 
Indians in the country. Of my own funds here I shall not be 
able to collect more than 600$. In the mean time I have written 
to Mr. James Brown firm of Hilliard, Gray «& Co who is my at- 
torney to get discounted some of the notes which I left with you 
which under any ordinan,' circumstances he will and can very 
readity do if you will call on him and this is all the arrangement 



"■■Written "Can" when previously mentioned. 



i82] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 125 

which I can make to meet any deficiency that may appear against 
me. The Cash paid by me from my own funds in this place will 
not exceed $600., which is in addition to what stands to my 
Credit with you. 

I this day received a letter from the Gov. of the Hudsons Bay 
Co. in London in regard to the proposition which I made them 
and of which you have a copy in my letter of Nov. 8 18,^3 de- 
ferring a definite answer to the same until the express from the 
Columbia was received it appears that their ships were last year 
frozen up at Hudsons Bay in consequence of which they had no 
news from the Columbia of the year in which I was there. 

& &c N. J. W. 

CXCIV. 

St. Louis March iSth 1834 
Bro. Jacob 

I had hoped to find you here or at least a letter 
from 3'^ou but do not, and therefore write to say a sort of farewell 
before I again encounter the uncertainies of the wilderness. 
After leaving you at the rendesvous we moved on with tolerable 
comfort and success in the way of Hunting and trading until we 
arrived at the Coast where we found the vessel that I had expect- 
ed had been lost. This was a signal for the rest to desert and 
truly I was glad to be rid of them altho thereby all the pro- 
ceeds of the expedition were sacrificed or buried in the Mountains. 
I then commenced m^^ return with two hired men and during the 
time from the ist March last until the loth Oct. madem^^ way to 
vSt. Louis and in due time home. The old concern being dis[s]olved, 
I formed a new one and am nowonmywa}^ to the Columbia having 
sent a vessell round the Horn and am taking a company of 50 
men overland to go over again the toils and suffering and perhaps 
the losses of which you saw a part, and this will either make or 
break me. Thvis much for myself. 

I hear that you are doing well and have far the best practice in 
your place. Industry wall keep this and economy will make it 
ample for your wants. Yrs. of the 8th Dec. last I received and 
mark that you say that your "prospects are great and getting 
better, as you alwa^^s knew the}' would be, if once disengaged from 
your friends as they ///dicro[u]s/]' stile themselves who have alwa5\s 
weighted you down &c stifling all your energies &c. " Whether 
friendly to you or not or whether I ever stated myself to be, im- 
ports nothing and whether you intended me or others imports as 
little. All the comment I can make on the passage, is to. a.sk 
you, who supported your early life of idleness and dissipation, 
until it was beyond the power of any friends to do it longer? and 
who on your return from the Mts. enabled you to avail yourself 
of your present prospects? I have never yet read a passage which 
so strongly indicated the truth of one of Rochefocaulds maxims viz. 



T26 CORREvSPONDENCE: [183 

"If you would wish to mak^ a man your irreconsilable enemy do him a 
kindness he cannot repay["]. I have done ^-ou the favor not to shew 
this letter to your friends believing that you did not appreciate 
the words when you wrote them and that it might be only an ex- 
ebition of that inconsiderateness which forms a part of your char- 
acter. 

I hear that you are to be married and to one who is said to be 
worthy of you or any one else. Altho you do dot seem to allow 
that I should call myself your friend yet perhaps you will admit 
me to sug[g]est that economy will be the best mode to maintain 
that independency which you have now so fully declared more es- 
pecially as in regard to it I have been wanting as well as yourself. 
Be assured that much of the comfort of your married life will de- 
pend upon your being able to maintain a respectable appearance 
among your acquaintance. Want and pleasure do not associate, 
and beside if your income can be made sufficient nothing would 
be more to your credit than to pay oif some of your small debts to 
the Eastward. This would make your father much more com- 
fortable than he now is and would in the end I have no doubt 
aflfbrd you more pleasure than you could purchase with the same 
money in any other way. 

It affords m3'Self and your other friends no little pleasure to 
hear that your exertions are praiseworthy and that at last you 
are likely to make a man of yourself that you have quit all sorts 
of dissipation and have formed industrious habits. That you 
may continue in this c[o]urse is the sincere wish of 

Yr afte Bro N. J. W. 

CXCV. 

St. Louis March 19th 1834 
Mr Nuttall 

Dear Sir Capt Thing informs me that you wait informa- 
tion from me before ^v^ou leave Philad. I can not tell exactly what 
time I shall leave St. Louis, but of this I am certain that you will 
have no time to spare after you receive this and when you arrive 
at St. Louis call on Mess Von Phull & McGill who will inform 
you if I have gone up the river in which case follow as fast as 
you can. At Libert^^ or Independence you will hear if I have 
started and how long. If I have not been gone more than three 
or four days with a good horse you will easily overtake me before 
3^ou come to any dangerous country following the trail of my 
horses. 

I shall probably not leave Independence before the 25th April 
and perhaps not quite so soon. Much depends upon the grass 
whether it is fit to feed the horses or not. At present appear- 
ences indicate an earl}^ spring. 

I am Vr Obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth 



i84] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 127 

CXCVI. 

St. Louis March 21st 1S34 
Mess Samuel & More 

Gent Enclosed you have list of men which 
I send up. The passage is $5.50 a piece which please pay for all 
that are delivered, and when the}" arrive please find some house 
where they can stop and cook their food. Supply them with pro- 
visions until I come and let them cook for themselves. I shall be 
up in the next Boat. 

I have paid the Capt $25 which please deduct from his bill 
unless he shows that he has supplied these men with provisions 
which he is authorized to do in case those on board run short. 

Yr &c N. J. W. 

P. S. Having- blkts on the route I have given these men none. 
If you could hire their lodging cheap I would pa^^ for it or get 
them some bedding until I come b}^ pajdng for the use of it. 

Also authorizeing Mess. Samuel & More to pay one dollar extra for 
any of the men who did not wood on the way and in proportion 
to the distance if thev should desert. 

N. J. W. 

CXCVII. 

St. Louis March 28th 1834 
Mess Samuel »& More Liberty. 

Gent Your fav. of 20 inst came to hand 
to day. I am sorry that j-ou have made a contract for saddles at 
10$ each. You have either mistaken the kind I wanted or have 
paid far too much. Such as I wanted without stir[r]ups or girths 
as I ordered them can be had here at $4 each. Please get off 
from taking as many as you can of these saddles, and if you have 
not already- engaged 6 better ones that I ordered yoii may leave it 
until I come. You do not tell me what you are giving for animals 
or how manj^ you have bought. I shall probably come up on the 
next Boat say in about eight days from the time you receive this. 
In the mean time I remain 

Yrs &c. Nathl. J. Wyeth 

CXCVIII. 

St. Louis March aSth 1734 

Bro Leond 

Allow me to introduce to your acquaintance an uncle 
of Bro Jacobs intended, Col. Geo. W. Jones of Galena. He 
gives so good an account of the Doct. that I know 3'^ou will take 
great pleasure in conversing with him 

Yr. afte Bro. Nathl. J. Wyeth 



I2S CORRESPONDK^XE: [1S5 

CXCIX. 

vSt. Louis ^Nlarch 31st 1834 
Dear wife (Cambridge) 

Your fav. of 13th came to baud this moruing and was very 
acceptable. I am glad to find you will take some care of the 
trees. Perhaps they will not grow for our use but some one will 
get the benefit and it will be pleasant to leave even such a mem- 
orial of our having once existed. It is true that Mr. Fit/.patric was 
robbed by the Crow Indians but I was in hopes that you would 
not hear of it. I knew it before I left Cambridge but did not 
wish to alarm you. I do not think there is much danger with so large 
party as I shall have. 

Mr. Nuttall and Mr. Townsend another naturalist 
passed through this place to the rendezvous last week and 
their goods went by the vessell so there is no doubt of his going. 
The Missionarys came here this morning. Mr. Abbot is at the 
rendezvous taking care of the horses. Batiste and the Indian I 
have also sent up to the rendezvous. Batiste continues a pretty 
good boy. I shall think of your request for seeds and pretty 
stones while I am on m^* way out, and certainly shall not forget 
my promise to send for you if there is any chance of doing so 
with propriety but 5^cu must not be too sanguine a thousand 
circumstances may prevent it altho I desire it much. I feel as 
much as you can do the lonesomeness of my wa}^ of life but you 
knovv' the success of what I have undertaken is life itself to me 
and if I do fail in it they shall never say that it was for want of 
perseverance. But this is my last attempt and if I am not suc- 
cessfull I must come home and endeavour the best way I can 
to get a living and to pay my debts which will theti be heavy. 
Still I am yet sanguine that I shall succeed. I will take good 
care of m3'self and perhaps the life which began in turmoil may 
yet end in quiet and peace and our sun go down from a clear sky. 
I should be desolate indeed if I thought that the residue of life 
was to be as unsettled as the past, and I cannot but reproach my- ' 
self that I have made you in some measure a widow while you 
ought to be enjoying yourself. I am afraid that you will brood 
over hopes that have been blasted by me who should have been 
with you to fulfil them and at hand in time of need to cherish 
and support. These things make me melancholy and I half be- 
lieve I have got the Blues. 

Jacob writes me that he is about getting married. The people 
from Galena all say that he is doing well. I hope .so but cant, 
help doubting whether it is permanent. 

Good l)ye My Dear wife and may God bless you. 

N. J. Wyeth 



i86] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 129 

CC. 

St Louis April 3rd 1834 
Mess Samuel & More Liberty 

Gent. Your fav. of the 28tli ulto. 
came to hand this evening. I note that you are getting horses. 
1 20 horses if good would do me. To this number you can pur- 
chase. If you can get mules allow that 3 are as good as 4 
Horses. As to price you are the best judges, but I am in hopes 
that 30$ a piece will buy good horses and $40 mules. I wrote you 
on the 28 ulto. about saddles &c. I do not wish you to do any- 
thing more until I come in regard to any thing except Horses 
and mules. Please get the animals shod as fast as you buy them. 
I am on the loway with all my goods and leave this in the morn- 
ing and have hired men enough with the 20 I have before sent 
you except 6 which please engage if you can find cheap and 
good but not otherwise. 

I am yr obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth 

CCI. 

vSt. Louis April 3d 1834 
Mess Grant & Stone Philad. 

Gent. I have drawn on you this da^^ fav. 
of Mess Yon Phull & McGill 90 days sight No 12 for $700 for 
which amt you will draw on Mess. Tucker & Williams as arrang- 
ed and oblige 

yr. obt. Servt. N. J. W. 

ecu. 

St. Louis Ap 3d 1834 
Mess Tucker & Williams (Boston) 

Gent I have this day drawn on 3'ou No 13. 
$600 90 days sight fav. H. S. Coxe cashier of the U. S. Bank in 
this city, also this day No 12 on Mess, Grant «& Stone Philad. 
$700 90 dys sight of which I have advised them. 

All the goods have arrive here and are reshipped and insured to 
Liberty. I shall leave this in the boat in a few minutes and shall 
write you in full from the upper settlements forwarding acts[.] of 
disbursements and the certain arrangements of the expedition. 

I am yr. Obt. vServt. N. J. W 
CCIIL 

Independence Ap. 17th 1S34 
Mess Tucker & Williams 

Gent. Your fav. of the 21st vilto. came to 
hand to day. The last of mine which you acknowledge is of the 
I St March since which I have written you advising of the follow- 
ing draft viz A and G. W. Ken 10 days sight on Grant & Stone 
No. II |iooo March nth — Von Phull & McGill 9[o] days on 



T30 CORRESPONDENCE: [187 

Grant and Stone No. 12 $700 April 3d — H. vS. Coxe 90 days on 
Tucker & Williams No 13 $600 dollars Ap. 3d making about 
$6062.45. The amt you speak of as paid for Abbot was not paid 
on Company ace. but on my own. He gambles but is usefull to us 
and owes us too much to have him stopped. To day I have drawn 
on you No. 14 fav. H. S. Coxe 90 days $343.37 also same on 
same date and time $3000 making in all to this date about 9500$ 
and there will be yet some more. Several items not included in 
the first estimate conduce to this such as insurance of these vions, 
[?] passage for myself, Abbot, Thing and two Indians. The op- 
position of the 4 companies have made me pay heavy advances on 
men and high prices for horses, in addition to which I have been 
obliged to advance about $500 to Milton Sublette which arose 
from this circumstance viz last year Sublette & Campbell took 
out to the mountains Capt Stewart & Doct. Harrison and author- 
ized Milton Sublettes Company to credit them and draw for the 
amt. These drafts Sublette & Campbell refused to honor and 
pay as soon as the}' ascertained that we were to supph' Milton 
Sublettes Company with goods unless Milton Sublette would re- 
main at home in which case vSublette & Campbell offered to set- 
tle the acts, and pay the Drafts. Sublette & Campbell are going 
out with a party of men & goods to the rendesvous to the moun- 
tains. Under these circumstances I felt m^'self obliged to make 
the advance above stated to M. G. Sublette and also to purchase 
a more expensive kind of animals then I had at first intended in 
order to be first at the rendesvous which I consider very import- 
ant. So far I am ahead and shall leave the settlements on the 
26th or thereabouts at which time I shall forward you acts, in full, 
Invoices muster roll &c. 

I am now packing up. All the goods have arrived here safely. 
I have 20 more horses to purchase. The season is early and 
ever>'thitig favorable except that the expense will be greater 
than has been calculated, but as you do not complain much of 
hard times I am in hop^s that 3^ou will meet it willingly and re- 
quest you to believe that even,' exertion has been made to keep 
it within bounds. There are none of the Dignitaries with me as yet 
and if they "preach" much longer in the vStates they will loose 
their passage for I will not wait a minute for them. 

I am &c N. J. W'yeth 
CCIV. 

Indpendence April 25th 1834 
Mess Tucker & Williams 

Gent. To day I drew my last draft on Mess 
Grant & vStone 30 days sight No 16 2515.66 fav. of Samuel & 
More. You will be surprised at the amt. I have drawn but with- 
out abandoning the enterprise I could not avoid it and there being- 
no chance to refer to you, I have taken the responsibility and 



i88] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 131 

must abide the consequences if 3^ou choose not to ratif}^ my act. 
I should have drawn on my own means but I have not got 
them. There have been by the government and the trading compan- 
ies purchased here above 1000 Horses which accounts for the great 
increase in the price. I have been obliged to advance to men or 
not get them and once in for it I have been obliged to pay their 
other debts, or loose them. Man^^ of them having been taken by 
the officers. I shall make out Invoices, musters, and accounts due 
from men and m5^ own account with the concern. These I shall 
send from the Kansas Agency. I should do it here but officers 
are continually taking the men and making more expense beside 
time is of the greatest importance. I go in the morning and can 
make out these papers at nights. It is like keeping a bag of fleas 
together to keep the men in this whisky country 
In haste. You will please pass to m[y] Cr. 

yr obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth 
CCV. 

Independence April 26th 1834 
Mess Tucker & Williams 

Gent. Notwithstanding what I wrote you 
yesterday I have drawn to day yet another draft fav. of Mess. 
Samuel & More No 17 $120 sight which I hope and believe will 
be the last. I have lost 4 cattle and 2 horses and in case I do 
not find them to day I shall leave them behind. Excuse my 
brevit}' at this moment as I have man^' things to do and shall 
write 5^ou again as advised in mine of j^esterday. 

Enclosed you have a note of W. Abbot to me which please 
hold for collection. This is the debt which I paid for him to 
Sublette & Campbell as advised in mine of ist March from Cin- 
cinati and credit the same to my ace. and oblige 

yr obt. Servt. Nathl J Wyeth 
CCVI. 
Kanzas River May 2d 1834 
Mess Tucker & Williams 

Gent This is my last this side of the moun- 
tains and with it you have my ace. with bills and copies of bills 
that are required as vouchers in the mountains also a list of peo- 
ple terms of engagements and charges against men. I am not 
sure that these papers are accurate as the}^ were made up in camp 
and in very wet weather and much to attend to. I have lost 2 
Horses 4 cows. 2 men deserted and I expect some more will. 
I am the first as yet in the Indian country. Excuse me from 
writing more as I am fatigued to[o] much. 

yr obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth. 

P. S. I have not sent 3^ou the invoice of my own goods because 
they will probably be all charged to disbursements in case I send 



132 CORREvSPONDENCE: [189 

out a trapping party. I have therefore supposed it best to charge 
all except Sublettes Invoice to Disbursements and credit that ac- 
count when any part of it was sold. 

CCVII. 

Little Vermilion May 8th 1834 
Mess Tucker & Williams 

Gent I am sorry to say that Mr. M. G. 
Sublettes leg has grown so troublesome that he is to day obliged 
to turn back and by him I write this. He has given me an or- 
der on his partner for the amt. of advances made him pa3'able in 
furs. I regret this circumstance much but it was unavoidable as 
he was perfecth^ unable to go on. 4 more men have deserted 
since mine of 2nd inst. 2 men I have hired. No more horses 
have been lost. The bills and acts, were forwarded by the same 
conveyance as the letter of the 2nd inst. We have now crossed the 
Kanzas and are about 60 miles above the Agency or 120 from the 
western limit of the state of Missouri. 

In the acts, which I forwarded to you you will observe a mis- 
take of 343.37 which you will please ctedit to my ace. Wish- 
ing you all manner of good success and the same m^-self some- 
what on your account I remain 

Yr obt Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth 

CCVIII. 

One day this side the Blue May 12th 1834 
Dear Sir Wm Sublette having passed me here, I am induced 
to write to you by this opportunity and hope you will get it. 
You may expect me by the ist July at the rendesvous named in 
your letter to Milton which which you sent by Dr. Harrison who 
opened it and I presume told Wm Sublette of the place. I am 
not heavily loaded and shall travell as fast as possible and have a 
sufficient equipment of goods for 3-ou according to contract. 
Cerre will be much later than me and also the Am. Fur Co. Milton 
left me a few days since on account of his leg which is ver\' bad. 

I am 3'r obt. Servt. X. J. W. 
To Thos Fitzpatric or Co. 
In the Rocky Mountains. 

P. S. I have sent a vessell around the Horn with such goods 
as you want and would like to give you a supply for winter 
rendesvous or next A-ear on such terms as I know would suit you. 

CCIX. 

Sweet Water June 9th 1834 
Mess Thomas Fitzpatric & Co. 

Gent. I send this to inform 3'ou of 
my approach with your goods. I am now two da\-s behind Wm 
Sublette, who I presume is with you by this. Milton informed 



i9o] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 133 

me that you would reudesvous near the mouth of the Sandy. In 
case you do not I wish you would immediately^ inform me by ex- 
press. I am now one days march above rock Independence and 
shall continue to come on at a good rate and for the present fol- 
low the same route which I came by two years since. I wish 
that you would defer making any contract for carrying home any 
surplus furs that you have or for a further supply of goods untill 
I come as I have sent a vessell to the mouth of the Columbia 
with such goods as you want and am ready to give you a supply 
for winter randssvous if you wish, or for next year, and also to 
send home b}^ her, at a low rate, such furs as you may have and 
can make you advances in St. Louis on them to pay men &c. 
I am yr. obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth. 

CCX. 
Hams fork of the Colorado of the West June 20th 1S34 
Jas. W. Fenno Esq. Atty. at law Boston 

Dear Sir According to 
arrangement I write you. I have as 5^et no certain knowledge of 
how the buisness I am now in will prove, or for how long a 
time it may detain me. Our getting no furs as 3^et, renders it 
quite probable that it ma3^ be given up soon. M}' partners may 
get discouraged, if no returns are made the first year, and if the}' 
do I shall be compelled to give the thing up. You ma}^ feel 
yourself quite certain on the return of the first vessell if another 
is not sent out immediately that I am coming home soon. Hav- 
ing been the instigator of this enterprise I cannot be the first to 
abandon it and have no disposition to do so, but if those engaged 
with me do not support me in a proper manner so as to enable 
me to prosecute it successfulh' I must turn mj- attention to some 
other buisness. It is perhaps impertinent in me to advise and 
quite likely 3'ou will think me interested, nevertheless, if 5'ou will 
keep yourself aloof from the ice buisness for a time I think there 
may be an opportunity to commence it more favorably. For 
some years the buisness has been too successfull to induce proper 
ideas of its value and if you should enter the buisness as an agent 
you will run the chance of change of opinion which might be 
fatal to any project on the subject. Little as the above amounts 
to it is all that I can say. Affairs have not yet given any de- 
cided indication to enable me to be more definate. This much to 
shew you that I have not forgotten the subject. 

I hope you have got the patent arranged in such a manner 
that you can clap the screws when occasion calls. 

Our route hither has been attended with success so far as trav- 
elling but not otherwise. We have had no fighting and [have] seen 
few Indians and what horses we have lost have been worn out 
and not stolen. The companies here have all failed of making 
hunts, some from quar[r]eling among themselves some from having 



134 CORRESPONDENCE: [191 

been defeated by the Indians and some from want of horses, and 
what few furs have been taken have been paid to the men for 
their ser\aces leaving none for me. I shall build a fort on Lewis 
River about a hundred and fifty miles west of this which is in 
Latt.45 deg. 15 min. Long 112 deg. 15 min. and there deposite my 
goods for sale when there is Beaver to pay for them. 

While I am here turning Indian probably you are turning 
civilized that is getting married and settling down to all the 
comfort that can be imagined, preparing 3'ourself an easy chair 
for after life. That you may find not thorns when you expect 
Down is the wish of 

your friend and Servt. Nathl J. Wyeth. 

CCXI. 

Hams Fork of the Colorado of the West June 20th 1834 

F. Tudor Esq, 

Dear Sir With no adventure worth relating in the 
way of Battle or hardship I arrived here on the 19th inst. having 
left the settlements on the ist May. And feel it a duty to write 
to you altho 1 have not much to say. The contracts which I 
made with the companys here have not been complied with and 
in consequence I am obliged to establish a fort, which I shall do 
on Lewis River about a hundred miles west of this for the pur- 
pose of trading my goods and then leave part of my men 
at it and then proceed to the Columbia for the further prosecu- 
tion of the buisness. The failure of adequate returns by the first 
vessell may possibly discourage those who are concerned in this 
thing at home and in case you find that a vessell is not sent out 
as soon after the first returns as possible you may expect 
to see me soon and in such case with a determination to take any 
reasonable chance in the ice buisness and stick to it the remain- 
der of my buisness life. I cannot in conscience ask you to defer 
any thing for me nor can I be the first to abandon this under- 
taking having been first in it, but will not prosecute it further 
than there is a reasonable chance of success. 

We have here none of what you call the comforts of life but 
have heart and health, and are yet young and after all not dis- 
couraged which is one half. If I cannot succeed I will fail after 
a fair tryal ])ut not l>efore. 

That you may in the evening of your days enjo}' that comfort 
and satisfaction for which you have striven so hard and long is 
the wish of one who feels under heavy obligation to you. 
I am yr obt Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth 



192] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 135 

CCXII. 
Hams fork of the Colorado of the West June 21st 1834 
Leond Jarvis Esq 

Dear Sir I have not time to write much or 
much to sa}', but I cannot omit saying a little. So far this buis- 
ness looks black. The compan5^s here have not complied with their 
contracts with me and in consequence I am obliged to make a 
fort on I^ewis River to dispose of the goods I have with me. I 
think I can in a little time realize good returns, but in the mean- 
time the concern at home may get discouraged and if they do the 
whole is spoiled, and I shall be obliged to give up the buisness. 
After leaving a part of my men to take charge of the fort I shall 
proceed to the Columbia and probably get there about ist Sept. 
The place I am now at is Latt 41 deg 45' Long 112 deg. 35'. If 
I am obliged to return home again it will be to staA' and endeavour 
to pay off the debts which I will then owe, and believe that I can 
do so in time with health. 

Accept Dear Uncle my wishes for your happiness and also that 
of mv good Aunt, and believe me 

Yr Afte. Nephew N. J. W. 
CCXIII. 

Hams Fork of the Colorado of the West June 21st 1834 

Dear Parents I arrived here on the 19th 
inst without accident after a very quick voyage and no fighting. 
All as 5^et looks as prosperous as could be expected (you 
know however that I do not expect much and am therefore not 
so likel}^ to be dissappointed). I hope you get along in quiet and 
peace with Jonas. The idea that this may not be the case oc- 
casions me some uneasiness. I can not say how soon you may 
expect to see me but of this be certain, that there is little or no dang- 
er here except of not living quite so well as I could at home. I 
hope you will do all that you can to make my wife comfortable 
and happy and yourselves the same. I have many letters to 
write and not much time at present but shall write 3'ou by the re- 
turn vessell. 

lyOve to all. With many wishes for your health and hap- 
piness 

I am yr affectionate Son Nathl J Wyeth. 

CCXIV. 

Hams Fork of the Colorado of the West June 21st 1834 

Dear Wife I have but little to say to you 
in a letter, but much buisness with you, if I were at home. I 
got here safe and well, but whether I shall do well is yet uncer- 
tain but I will try. Miltons leg got so bad that he did not come 
with me. Mr. Nuttall is w^ell and is cursing the tittle tattle of 
Cambridge in high stvle. It would do vou sfood to look into 



136 CORRESPOXnKXCR: [193 

our tent just now and see how fat I am. Be of good cheer and 
make yourself as happy as you can until I come or send. 

Give my respects to your mother and Aunt Rebecca and love to 
Caroline Baptiste send[s] compliments. 

yr afte. Husband Xathl. J. Wyeth. 
CCXV. 

Hams Fork of the Colorado of the West June 21 st 1834 
Mr Jas Brown 

My old friend I cannot write at length but there is 
a feeling when I w^ite to you that I feel to no one else. In long 
arraj' comes up the wits and wine the social converse and the 
sunny side hills of old times. Are they gone forever? Yes from 
me, but as the hearts of kings tremble at the name of Napoleon, 
so mine vibrates to the recollections of old joys. I am not now 
able at once to heave care "over side" and the Bon[n]y Boat the 
Jovial crew, Chaplain and all would now be insufficient to fill the 
void. I believe that times of Careless Joy have gone by for me, 
and speed to them. x\nd now we look forward to those quiet 
times when the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are 
at rest. Are the heavens Black or is the gloom in my vision? 
The latter must be true for still youth and I[n]trepidity look upon 
as fresh a world as ever and will not believe "hie Transit Gloria 
mundi to be true." If you think me Blue remember that I am 
hard to convince and all are unwilling to believe themselves 
astray. 

In regard to my affairs manage them as well as you can. My 
scituation is not such as to justify your incurring any risque on 
my account. I would like to keep the Colledge lott if possible 
because I think that let affairs turn as they may I will be able to 
come home and in a little time clear myself of any incumbrance. 

I hope 5-our buisness is prosperous and not so burdensome as 
to destroy comfort. Mine here still looks squally but obstinacy 
and hope guide the way. 

Be so good as to give my respects to all friends and especially 
to your good wife and love to little ones. 

And believe me as of old vour affectionate friend 

N. J. Wyeth 
OCX VI. 

Hams Fork of tlie Colorado of the West June 21st 1834 
Col. E- W. Metcalf 

Dear Sir As I promised, I write to sa}' that 
in gallant stile, I bore your acceptable present of a cap over the 
Rocky Mountains and in perfect saf[e]ty arr[i]ved a[s] far as this 
on our long route Latt. 41 deg. 45 min. Long 

Perhaps you may think it strange that I write when I have so 
little to say I do so to induce a correspondence with one who is 



194] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 137 

well able to inform me of the state of aifairs at home and who 
perhaps will be willing to take the trouble to inform me. We 
have in this country little to interest the mind when once the 
novelty of white Bears Buffaloes and Indians is worn off which is 
now pretty well the case with me. Mr. Nuttall is with me and 
well and has made an immense collection of new plants pre- 
served also there is a Mr. Townsend who has found a good variety 
of new birds and preserved them. I shall establish a fort on 
lycwis River which will be about 150 miles west of this for the 
purpose of trade and then go to the mouth of Columbia River for 
the further prosecution of it. 

Should you consent to correspond ^'•ou can leave your letters at 
Mess. Tucker & Williams Central Wharf. In the meantime ac- 
cept for yourself and family my best wishes 

Respectfully yr obt Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth 
CCXVII. 

Hams Fork of the Colorado of the West June 21st 1834 

Bro Charles, 

All well, but T am afraid not doing as well as might 
be expected but will do all I can "and then trust to providence." 
My affairs are at the present in too unsettled a state to express 
any opinion of the event. I shall write you again by the vessell. 
In the mean time I am going about 150 miles west of this 
to build a Fort and that done shall proceed to the Columbia to 
build another there for fishing and then the Deil knows where 
after Beaver. 

Give my love to your wife and believe me that old kindness is 
not diminished on the contrary I look back to the fondness that 
has so long sweetened our intercourse as the Brightest spot on 
memorys green and the brighter for the darkness and desolation 
which encompasses me. 

yr. afte Brother Nathl. J. W^^eth 
CCXVIII. 

Hams Fork of the Colorado of the West June 21st 1834 

Bro. I^eonard 

I do not know what mood to wTite you in. Is money 
scarce? If I knew so I would indite you the Blackest kind of a 
letter and dip m}- pen in gall and wormwood and indulge my 
own fancy while tallying with yours. 

Affairs in this region are going bad Murder is rife and dis- 
trust among themselves makes the whites an easy prey to Indians. 
There has been little Beaver caught and of that little I get less 
than I ought. As yet there is no positive indication of the event 
of this buisness. I shall do all I can and if those at home do not 
get discouraged it will vet turn out well but of this I am afraid. 



138 CORRESPONDENCE: [195 

I leave this about the ist July and then go west about a hun- 
dred and fifty miles W. on the Lewis River to make a fort for 
trade thence to the Columbia to build another then out trapping 
and trading- with a party. I shall write 3'-ou by the vessell and 
hope to have good news to send but if not shall sa}^ nothing. 
Here are plenty of Buffaloe and other good things to eat and so 
far no Indians to trouble us, but continual watching is tiresome 
and at last men get willing to lay down and take their chance. I 
hope your difficulties have ceased and with less damage to 3'our 
affairs than you apprehended still I think let what will come 3'ou 
will fare as well as the best and come out bright at last. 

Give my respects to Mess. Osgoods and their families and my 
regular built[but?] hearty good will to you[r] lady and little ones, 
and believe me 

yr. afte. Brother Nathl. J. Wyeth. 
CCXIX. 

Hams Fork of the Colorado of the West June 30th 1S34 

Mess. Von Phull & McGill 

Gent. I herewith enclose a draft, Fitz- 
patric Sublette & Bridger on Sublette & Campbell $1002.81 
twelve mos. from date dated July ist 1834 also one same parties 
4 months $864.12 same date. These drafts or the proceeds of 
them you will please collect or hold subject to the directions of 
Mess. Tucker & WiUiams of Boston. 

I take this opportunity to say that my journey so far has been 
prosperous and pleasant and attended [with] no accident and to 
express to you my sincere wishes for your health and prosperity. 
I am yr. obt. Servt. Nathl. J. Wyeth. 

CCNX. 

Hams Fork of the Colorado of the West July ist 1834 

Latt. 41 deg. 45 min. Long. 112 deg. 34 min. 
Mess Tucker & WiUiams 

Gent. I arrived here on the 17th inst. and Wm 
Sublette arrived two days before me. This he was enabled to do 
by leaving one half of his goods and horses on the route, which of 
course I could not do. On arrival the Rocky Mountain Fur Co. 
refused to receive the goods alledging that they were unable to 
continue buisness longer,and that they had dis[s]olved,but offered 
to pa3' the advances made to M. G. Sublette and the Forfeit. 
These terms I have been obliged to accept altho they would not 
even pay the interest on cash advances for there is no Law here. I 
have also sold a few goods at low prices. The proceeds of the 
Forfeit &c and Sales after deducting a small amt. for payment of 
wages of men who have gone home, from this place, I have for- 
warded to Mess. Von Phull & McGill of Saint Lonis subject to 
your order, in one draft Four months from date July ist 1834 for 



196] WYETirS OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 139 



12)^ and for $1002.81 same date 12 months both b}^ Fitz- 
patric Sublette & Bridget, accepted by Sublette & Campbell of 
St Louis. 

In addition to not fullfilling their agreement with me every ex- 
ertion is made to debauch my men in which thej^ have had some 
success, but I have hired enough of theirs to make up, and do not 
fear falling short of troops. These circumstances induce me to 
quit their neighborhood as soon as possible. 

I shall proceed about 150 miles west of this and establish a fort in 
order to make sale of the goods which remain on mj^ hands. I have 
sent out messengers to the Pawnacks, Shoshonees, Snakes, Nez 
Perces and Flatheads to make robes and come and trade them at 
this Post. I am under the impression that these Indians will 
make a good quantity of Robes whenever they find the^^ can sell 
them and I believe the Transportation will not be too expensive 
for the value of the article beside which I have no doubt that toler- 
able good returns of Beaver may be made at this post. I propose to 
establish it on a river called Portneuf on Snake or Lewis River. 

I feel much disappointed that the contract was not complied 
wdth. Had M. G. Sublette been able to come I think it would 
have been. I much fear that the gentlemen at home will get dis- 
couraged if no returns are made the first year. I shall do the 
best I can but cannot now promise anything immediate. If I find 
on arrival at the mouth of the River that Lambert has not done 
much I shall think mj^seif justified in detaining him another year. 

I have drawn no drafts from these mountains. 

Bonneville & Co. I have not seen, but he is not far from me on 
my proposed route. I fear that he has done nothing of conse- 
quence. I shall endeavour to take home his Beaver what there is of 
it if I can get an adequate price. I think his concern is finished. 

I should forward you an Invoice of goods on hand and a memor- 
andum of transactions here but have not time without delaying 
ray march. Capt. Thing altho a first rate man is even a worse 
scribe than myself and it is all we can do to make the proper 
charges and to look after our men and Horses and having to lose 
some time in making a fort, time is the more precious. I think 
that I will be with the vessell about the loth Sept. next and af- 
ter arranging at the Post on the Columbia shall try my fortune at 
a winter Hunt for Beaver. 

I have now with me 126 horses and mules in good order and 
41 persons all told that are in the employ, and can hire as man^- 
more as I want. The amount due for wages is trifling. Almost 
all the men take up as fast as they earn, and would faster if I 
would let them, in goods at about 500 per ct. on the original cost. 
Our expenses after this year will be very small, and I have 
strong hopes as ever of success notwithstanding appearances so 
far, 

I am yrs Nath. J. Wyeth 



I40 CORRESPONnRNCK: [197 

CCXXI. 

Hams Fork July ist 1834 
Mr. G. Sublette 

Dear Sir I arrived at [the] Rendesvous at the mouth 
of [the] vSandy on the 17th June. Fitzpatric refused to receive the 
goods he paid however, the forfieit and the cash advance I made 
to you this however is no satisfaction to me. I do not accuse you 
or him of any intention of injuring me in this manner when you 
made the contract but I think he has been bribed to sacrifice m^^ 
interests hj better offers from your brother. Now Milton, buisness 
is closed between us, but you will find that you have only bound 
yourself over to receive your supplies at such price as may be in- 
flicted and that all that you will ever make in the country will go 
to pay for your goods, you will be kept as yoii have been a mere 
slave to catch Beaver for others. 

I sincerly wish you well and believe had you been here these 
things would not have been done. I hope that 3'our leg is better 
and that you will yet be able to go whole footed in all respects. 
I am Yr Obt. Servt. N. J. Wyeth. 

CCXXII. 

Hams Fork of the Colorado of the West July 2d 1834 

Mess Von Phull & McGill 

Gent. I enclose three small drafts drawn by 
me on Fitzpatric & Co whole amt. $98.25, which please collect 
and hold to the order of Mess. Tucker & Williams and oblige 
Your obt Servt N. J. Wyeth. 

ccxxrii. 

Bear River July 5th 1834 
Fr[i]end Ermatinger 

Your esteemed fav. of [the] 12th ulto. reached 
me by the politeness of Mr. Newell on Haras fork of Green River. 
Mr. N. also informed me of the particulars of the battle with the 
Blkfeet. It must have been a capital mixture of Wine and Gun- 
powder. I am happ3' to hear that you had .some success last year 
but am afraid that you will do but little this season. 

I am quite happy to hear that the Doctor remains at Vancouver. 
I shall .soon have the pleasure of seeing him. I .suppose that Mckay 
has "thought of it" by this time and perhaps felt of it too, and 
3'ou too seem to have done more than thought of it. 

The latter part of your letter I shall answer when I .see you, 
which will be, I think in the course of the 3^ear. 

I am now on my way to meet a ves.sell that I sent from Boston 
to the mouth of the Columbia and hope to be there b}' the ist 
Sept. 



19S] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 141 

You have also enclosed a letter for Mr. Payette whose son is 
now with me. 

I i";ame up with goods and about 50 men 130 horses. The goods 
I will have to leave for sale somewhere her[e]abouts with part of the 
men. I have got no Beaver and have sold but little and that for 
Drafts which I hope are good 

I have again to repeat to you the advice which 
I before gave you not to come with a small part^- to 
the Am.. Rendesvous. There are here a great collection of 
Scoundrels. I have a great desire to see you and repay you in 
part for all the kindnesses which I received from you last year. 
Please give m3^ respects to Mr. Horon and all my accquaintances 
that you maj'' happen to see and believe me 

yr obt Servt and Fr[i]end Nath. J. Wyeth 

CCXXIV. 

Bear River July 5th 1834 
Mr Francis Payette 

Dear Sir I received your esteemed fav. of 14th 
May from Fort Nez Perces. 

Your son is now with me and will go to the mouth 
of the Columbia to arrive there about the ist Sept. 
He learned to speak English to read write and cypher tolerably 
well. He learns fast considering how broken his time has been. 
We teach him a little on the route but cannot do as much as I 
could wish. He is an active lad and appears contented. I should 
be pleased to hear from you at all times and especially good news. 
Letters addressed to the care of the Doctor at Vancouver would 
reach me. 

I am yr obt Servt. N J Wyeth 

ccxxv. 

vSept I St 1834 (at Grand Ronde) 
Capt. Bonneville 

Dear Sir Yours of this morning I have, and in 
answer can only sa^^ that I shall send a clerk and an outfit of 
goods up to the Fort as soon as I get down, and shall come my- 
self with it as far as where you now are, and probably be there in 
about 7 weeks from this time. I will enlarge the outfit a little so 
as to ineet this trade, and will trade with them personally at 
your present camp, if they will be there, or I will send a clerk 
to them at an^^ place they shall designate, provided the}' do so 
before my passing Grande Ronde. The time and place must be 
designated in order that I may give the proper directions to 
the clerk. 

I shall bring up goods so that in case you should alter your mind 
as to purchasing 3'ou could still get a supply. But if I could see 



142 CORRESPONDENCE: [199 

you personally at the Grande Ronde when I return it is likely 
that we might make a joint buisness of it. 

It is ver3' like[ly] that I may detain the Brig until next summer, 
in which case I would like to freight home your furs, w^hichl will 
do at 37,^.-2 per lb. Insurance included and receive them at the 
Grande Ronde. 

[No signature.] 

CCXXVI. 

[No address given.] Sept ist 1S34 
Capt. Bonneville 

Dear Sir I got s^our note of to day late this even- 
ing, and am obliged to 3'ou for the trouble you have taken. I will 
meet the Nez Perces at the A-show-to River within 8 weeks. I 
Hope to meet 5'ou before this, and would be pleased to make a 
joint affair of it much better than to proceed alone. 

Your Beaver traded from the Skiuses [Ca3"uses] is so much 
seized from the common enemy in trade, so far so good. 
Respectfully' yrs. Nathl. J. Wyeth 

CCXXVII. 

Copy of letters of introduction addressed toLeond Jarvis Esq. J. 
Wyeth, L. I- W^'eth Chas. Wyeth and James Brown in fav. of 
Capt W. Stewart. 

Oct. 6th 1S34 Columbia River. 
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Capt William 
Stewart an English gentleman who has been traveling in the 
Rocky Mountains during the last year. From his intimate ac- 
quaintance with the affairs of the Mountains he will be able to 
satisfy such enquiries as^'ou may wish to make respecting tho.se 
regions. Any attention that you can shew him will much oblige 
me. 

& &o' N.J. W. 

CCXXVIII. 

Columbia River Oct 6th 1834 
Capt Willam Stewart 

Dear Sir Enclosed you have a few letters ad- 
dressed to some of m}' fr[i]ends. They wll be happy to see you and 
to hear from me and if convienient 3^ou will oblige me by deliver- 
ing them. Also enclosed you have 5^our account which you can 
pay to Mess. Tucker & Williams, or to either of the gentlemen 
to whom the letters are adddressed and request them to do it. 
I am yr. obt. Servt. N. J. W. 

CCXXIX. 

Columbia River Oct. 6th 1834 (40 miles above themouth.) 
Frederic Tudor Esq. (Boston.) 

Dear Sir Since mine of 20th June last I have built 



20o] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 143 

a Fort on Lewis River and raised the Am. Flag in a new region 
amid the din of powder and the effects of alcohol common on such 
occasions. I assure j^ou the Fort looks quite as w^arlike 
as a pile of of ice but not quite so profBtable. After accomplish- 
ing this I made for this place and met the vessell on the nth 
Sept. she having then just arrived after a disasterous passage of 8 
months caused by being struck b}^ lightening off Valparaiso. Con- 
sequently I am obliged to delay the vessell until another year 
which will delay for that period at least any decision as to the 
duration of this buisness, it looks black enough at the present 
time to induce an opinion that it must terminate soon one way or 
the other. 

I find by some English publications that you[rJ ice adventure to 
East Indies attracts much attention. Should this branch of your 
buisness appear to be of value would it not be possible to raise 
up some trade from this coast to enable you to send vessells from 
this to Calcut[tja. I think the ice might be obta[i]ned a little north 
of this, I can not thi.ik of any cargo that could be brought here 
from the East Indies. 

I am anxious to hear how the speculation ended and if you 
find sufficient encouragement to continue it, also how your 
ordinary ice buisness has succeeded the last year and what has 
been the result of your coffee affair. Permit me to ask the favour 
of a letter from, you by the first opportunity. 

I am now buisy in making an establishment on the Multnomah 
about 50 miles from its mouth and one on the Columbia at this 
place. This winter I go up Lewis River to make one more Fort 
on its waters and one on the south side of the Great Salt Lake. 
In the Spring I shall return and ascertain if I can put up a cargo 
of Salmon. 

With wishes for all manner of prosperity for you, 

I am yr. obt. Servt. N. J. W. 

ccxxx. 

Columbia River Oct 6th 1834 
Jas. W. Fenno Esq. (Boston) 

Dear Sir Since mine of 20th 
June I have built the Fort that I then mentioned on Lewis River, 
Long 112 deg. 30 min. W. Latt 43 deg. 14 min. N. I arrived on 
the Columbia and met my vessell on the nth Sept. she having 
been struck by lightening on the passage out and detained in 
consequence to repair at Valparaiso. She entirely missed the 
salmon season and I am obliged to detain her to another year. 

I still think of the old buisness and hope if this fails to find an 
opening left to resume it. When I shall be at home is uncertain. 
This buisness looks very bad at this time. We have failed in 
ever^' thing for the first year. I shall do all I can one 3'ear 
more, which will I think shew whether an3^thing is to be done 



144 CORRKSPONDRNCE: [201 

here or not, and I will not be long in closing the concern when I 
find that there is nothing to be made. 

You will be careful not to make an^^ disclosures as it regards 
the prospects of our buisness here which might be injvirious. 

I am anxious to hear from you and obtain information of how the 
ao'itated question now stands. In the mean time believe me vour 
obt Servt N. J. \V. 

CCXXXI. 

Columbia River Oct 6th 1834 
Friend Brown 

My last was from Hams Fork of the Colorado of the 
West since which time I have been building a Fort on the Snake 
or Lewis Fork of the Columbia which I named Fort Hall which 
took me until the 6th August on which day the Am. Standard 
was raised in regions remote from its usual habitation and amid 
the noise of revelry and gun powder it floated in the gaze of the 
astonished Savages. After accomplishing this I proceeded to the 
mouth of the Columbia where on the iith ulto. I met our ship. 
She had on her way out been struck by lightening Vk^hich occa- 
sioned a detention of three months by which our season for fish- 
ing was entirely lost. I shall detain her until another j^ear and if 
she is then not able to bring home good returns I shall close this 
concern as soon as possible and return home with a flea in my ear. 

My route from this to the Salmon season ofnext year will be from, 
this place to Fort Hall Latt. 43 deg. 14 min. N. Long 113 deg 30 
min. W. thence to the Great Salt Lake where I propose to 
build another Fort and thence back to this place to be here by the 
15 Ma3' next to be ready for the Salmon. 

I am extremely' buisy and can not say much but wish you and 
your family all the good wishes you can imagine 

Yr fr[i]end and vServt X. J. W. 
CCXXXII. 

Columbia River Oct 5th 1*^34 
Dear Wife 

I am here but have had no good luck. The vessell 
was struck by lightening on her way out and detained so long that 
the salmon season was past. She will therefore have to remain here 
until another 5-ear. In the mean time I shall cruise about the 
countrj' and see what I can find. 

I have built a Fort on Snake river near the middle of the Con- 
tinent, one here, and made a farm on the Multnomah. If by 
another year I find that the buisness is to be successfuU I shall 
send home for you, if not I will come home myself. 

I hope you mak[e] your self comfortable and happy. It is the 
(Mily good policy to enjoy ourselves while we can 

Yr afte. Husl^and N. J. W. 



202] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 145 

CCXXXIII. 

[No address or date] 
Jacob Wyeth Esq. 

I am here buisy as can be fitting out parties making 
farms, Forts, and preparing for next years fishing. The 
vessell met with an accident which detained her so long on her 
passage that this years salmon fishing entirelj^ failed. I shall try 
it one year more and if then there is no better success to be had 
I shall quit it and come home and attend to whatever buisness I 
can find wher[e]by to make a living. 

I hope that no further difficult}^ with our tenant has disturbed 
your comfort and that all things about the place go on well. 
From what I heard when I was at St. lyOuis Jacob must be mar- 
ried by this time and if so I suppose you have heard of it. From 
the representation of very respectable people from Gelena he is 
quite a reformed man diligent and successful in his profession 
and respected by those who know him. The lady to whom he 
was about to be tied is said to be of the first respectability and 
every way worthy. I have no doubt that she will exercise a 
very salutary influence over him. 

I can not say when you may expect to see me but in the mean- 
time I am well here and with a little more success could be 
very happy. 

I am yr afte vSon N. J. W. 

CCXXXIV. 

Columbia River Oct 6th 1834 
Brother Leonard 

I have no good news to impart. The vessell mis- 
carried owing to having been struck by lightening on her way 
out so that our fishing is defer[r]ed to another year. After so long 
an abstiiience I feel hungry for a little success. I have built a Fort 
as I mentioned in my last on Snake or Lewis River in Latt 43 
deg. 14 min N. Long 113 deg. 30 min. W. and raised the Am. 
Standard in a new region amid the noise of guns and the Sound 
of revelry. I met the vessell to a day, and two months after both 
expected to arrive here. I have commenced a fine farm on the 
Multnomah. Were all I wish to see, and they are not many, here 
I think I should never wish to return. I journey this winter into 
the interior to the vicinity of the Great Salt Lake and shall prob- 
ably make 2 more Forts, and return hither about the 15th Ma3' 
next to see what can be made of the Salmon fish[e]rys. If at the 
close oLnext year our prospects are not brighter you may expect 
to see me back again, following with fresh spirits some new or old 
plans of profit or improvement. 

I only write to a'OU to evince that my mind still looks back to 
the good and worthy that it has left behind, that it compares the 



146 CORRP:vSPONDKNCK: [203 

Hideous squaw with polished white woman the faithless savage 
with the upright and buisy white man, and sees the difference. 
Give my respects to the Mess. Osgoods and their family and my 
love to your wife and children and let them hear the name of their 
uncle if they do not see him. 

Yr. afte Bro. N. J. W. 

ccxxxv. 

Columbia River Oct. 6th 1834 
Bro. Charles 

Since my last of June 21st 1834 I l;ave made the establishment 
then spoken of on Snak[e] River in Latt. 43 deg. 14 min. N Long 
113 deg. 30 min. West and raised the Stars and Stripes amid ex- 
plosions of gun powder and whiskey according to custom, and 
the}' now wave to the wind in the naked wastes of central 
America a wonderment to the simple savage who can not con- 
ceive the meaning of so much disturbance. I have now made a 
i'arm on the Multnomah on a prairie of about 15 miles long border- 
ing on the river which is nearly as large as the Ohio surrounded by 
beautiful and well assorted timber and watered by a good mill 
stream. The soil is beautiful. If some of the things on which 
the minds eye casts a "longing Hngering" look where [were] here I 
might be content to rest from my labors and lay my bones in this 
remote wild. 

I leave here in a few days on a voyage to the interior and shall 
establish two more Forts one of which will be near the Great Salt 
Lake if I can find any tribe of Indians who can give trade 
enough to support it. 

You must excuse my writing short letters I have much to do 
in a short time and some things that can not be ommitted. 
(iive my respects to Mr. Norris and family, and be assured of 
ray best wishes for you and yours 

Yr Afte Bro. Xathl J Wyeth 

CCXXXVI. 

Columbia River Oct. 6th 1834 
Leond. Jarvis Ksq. 

Dear Uncle Since mine of June 21st from 
Hams fork I have as I then proposed built a Fort on Snake or 
Lewis River in Latt 43 deg. 14 min. N. and Long 113 deg. 30 min. 
\V. which I named Fort Hall from the oldest gentleman in the 
concern. We manufactured a magnificent flag from some un- 
bleached sheeting a little red flannel and a few blue patches, sa- 
luted it with damaged powder and wet it in vil[l]a[i]nous alcohol, 
and after all it makes, I do assure you, a very respectable appear- 
ance amid the dry and desolate regions of central 
America. Its Bastions stand a terror to the sculking 



204] WVETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 147 

Indian and a beacon of saf[e]ty to the fugitive hunter. 
It is man[n]ed by 12 men and has constantly loade[d] in the 
Bastions 100 guns and riiles. These bastions command both the 
inside and the outside of the Fort. iVfter building this Fort I sent 
messengers to the neighboring nations to induce them to come to 
it to trade, and am now about starting with an equipment of 
goods tor the winter trade. After leaving these at the Fort I shall 
locate and build two more one of which will be scituated near the 
Great Salt L,ake. I shall return to this place about the 15th May 
next to see what can be done in the Fishing buisness. 

I am now about 75 miles from the mouth of the river, on the 
South Side. We have built a few buildings for store houses, 
smiths and Cooper shops, and dwellings. We are near the mouth 
of the Multnomah. About 40 miles up this river I have begun a 
farm on a beautiful prairie of about 15 miles long one end touching 
the river a good mill stream in the center the whole surrounded 
with good and well assorted timber, of fine soil and mild climate, 
much game, in fact all that a man ought to have, but still one is 
tempted to exclaim "Oh solitude, where are the charms that 
philosophers have seen in Thy face?" 

After building Fort Hall as beforCeJ stated I pro- 
ceed[ed] hither and on the 14th ulto. met the Brig 
then just arrived and coming up the river to 
find me. She was struck by lightening on the way out which oc- 
casioned a delaA' of about 3 months in consequence of which 
our fishing season was entirely lost. I shall therefore detain her 
until another season and then try. 

We suffered nothing coming out but lived sometime very short 
and poor after leaving the Buffaloe country but this is what all 
who come this way must expect. 

I have given a letter of introduction to Capt. William Stewart 
of the British army to you. He is a gentleman of high famih' 
and general attainments and having travelled in the Mountains 
for upwards of a 3'ear past, I thought that you might be pleased 
to see him. 

Now^ I desire that you will give my best compliments to my 
aunt and assure her that all the time I have been addressing m}- 
self to you I have been thinking of her and her many kindnesses 
of old times, this is not a country in which I forget the ladies. 

I am yrs. &c. N. J. W. 
CCXXXVII. 

Copy of note left for Mr. Richardson at the mouth of a fork of 
the River Des Shutes. 

Jany. 7th 1S35 
Mr Richardson 

Sir In case I return to this place before you 
I shall leave a note on this pole with directions. I think you 



148 CORRESPONDRXCE: [205 

had not in an}- case better stay up this fork more than three 
weeks, unless the prospect for beaver is very good. At the time 
you arrive here if 3^ou find no note from me, 3'ou can either go up 
the stream in search of beaver, and remain until I send the 
horses, or send for you, or return to camp as j^ou like. When 
I go down I shall leave notice at the mout Ja of each creek in order 
that you may know my movements, and if you follow me up 
stream I wish you to leave a notch cut in my poles, one up one 
down in order that I may know if you are above or below me. 
Also at each creek that 5'ou go up leave a peeled pole and one 
also on vour return. 

Yrs NathlJWyeth 

CCXXXVIII. 

Wappatoo Island Ap 3d 1835 
Friend Weld 

I write, bnt do not know when I will have an op- 
portunity to send. I am in the mood which you know is always 
enough for me. If I were at Cambridge the wine would suffer 
to night and you prett}' well know who would be the compan}-. 
I have had a severe winter of it. All my men have been sick ex- 
cept myself and one man and nothing but pure obstinacy- has 
kept me from being hauled up. It may be interesting to you to 
know a little of what I am doing. In the first place I got here 
somehow not worth relating. When here found my Brig not ar- 
[r]ived but outside the bar. Went down the river and met her 
coming up. This was on the nth Sept. and entire!}' after salmon 
time. Her late arrival was occasioned by having been struck with 
lightening and being in consequence obliged to put in to Valparaiso 
to repair. After shaking hands, set about arranging a party to 
send to a Fort which I have built among the Rocky Mts. This 
party consisted of Capt. Thing 13 Sandwich Islanders and 8 
whites. They proceeded about 200 miles up the Columbia in- 
land at the same time I took a party of 4 Sandwich Islanders and 
16 whites and followed inland 150 and got news that Capt 
Things Islanders had all run away from him. This obliged me 
to spare all my Islanders, and all but 6 of my whites to enable 
Capt. Thing to proceed to Fort Hall. With the residue I pro- 
ceeded to look up the deserters. I struck south thinking that 
they might have started for California. This was the middle of 
Nov. During Dec. Jany. and Feb. I got no news from them. 
About the first of March I heard that some of them were near the 
Columbia. On this I changed my route and struck that river 
where I learned from the Inds. that 7 of them had passed down 
five days before. I followed and overtook them about 80 miles 
from the mouth of the river 7 in number and took them to Fort 
William our eslal)lishment on Wappatoo Island about 75 miles 
up the Columbia at the mouth of the Multnomah. Two were 



2o6] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 149 

killed b^' the Indians one was drowned and one froze to death 
in the Mts. and two are still unac[c]ounted for as yet. On arriving 
here I set about preparing- for fishing. Have commenced a 
house Boat 70 feet long for a conveyance about to the different 
fisherys. Have finished a canoe 60 feet long 3 feet wide 2 Yz 
deep of one tree which has not a shake or [k]not in it, and this 
after cutting off thirty feet of clear stuff from the same tree, and 
still this is by no means a large tree here. I think I could find 
trees here free from shakes or [kjnots that would square 4 feet one 
hundred feet long. It is quite a job to make one of these canoes. 
I have heard to day that our Brig has arrived at the mouth of 
the river from the Sandwich Islands whither she went last 
winter with a cargo of Lumber, and I expect more buisness more 
company and more provisions soon the last not the least desirable 
of the three. This Wappatoo Island which I have selected for 
our establishment is about 15 miles long and about average 
of three wide. On one side runs the Columbia on the other the 
Multnomah. It consists of woodlands and praire and on it there 
is considerable deer and those who could spare time to hunt 
might live well but a mortality has carried off to a man its in- 
habitants and there is nothing to attest that the3^ ever existed ex- 
cept their decaying houses, their graves and their unburied bones 
of which there are heaps. So you see as the righteous people of New 
England say providence has made room for me and without doing 
them more injury than I should if I had made room for myself 
viz Killing them off. I often think of the old knot of cronies 
about the town with whom I used to spend so much time especi- 
al[l]y of an evening. When I sit down in m}' lodge on the ground 
and contrast the past with the present and wonder if the 
future will give as much difference and which way the difference 
will be for better or worse? 

It has rained almost continually from last Oct. to this time but 
still there has been no cold weather except in the mountains at 
great elevations. 

Now I do not wish this letter published I do hate every thing 
in print. 

I am yr Friend and Servt. Nathl. J. Wyetli 

CCXXXIX. 

Fort William Sept 6th 1S35 
Frederic Tudor Esq. 

Sir My last was dated Oct. 6th 1S34 from this place. 
I have not received one letter from the States since I left. A 
package came into the Indian country for me but fell into the 
hands of another Co. and was detained. Possibly you might have 
writ[t]en b}^ that channel. This buisness has not been successful 
in any of its branches therefore it will terminate soon. I shall 
not order another equipment to this country until I see again 



I50 CORRRSPONDKXCE: [207 

those concerned with me, and if I know the people they wall be 
the last to go very far in any buisness that commences unprofit- 
ably. If I meet with no fatal accident I shall be in Boston by 
the ist Nov. 1836 and probably if any opening opens adequate to 
my wants I shall not after leave it. I need not disguise from you 
that I must have a living somewhere and that there is no kind of 
buisness for which I am in any way competent except my original vo- 
cation, which I so heartily det°st that I will loose my scalp before 
I will reengage in it, and the Ice buisness, and that in the latter 
I have no prospect except through yourself. The buisness I am 
in must be closed not that it might not be made a good one 
but because those v/ho are now engaged in it are not the men to 
make it so. The smallest loss makes them "fly the handle" and 
such can rarely succeed in a new buisness. This your own ex- 
perience will justify. Personally I have no means to prosecute 
the buisness further and, however mortifying, must give it up. 
My intention is to return and if I can obtain an}^ scituation that I 
am not ashamed of, to remain, if not the woods will alway[s] sup- 
ply the wants of one who is not lazy and where pride is not con- 
cerned ^vants but little. These things I state in plain language 
because I for[e]see that when I may arrive in Boston the case will 
admit of no delay. I have then to make the last election of my 
course for life and whether such course prove comfortable to my- 
self or not I shall stick to it. I cannot hope after wliat I have 
done that 5'ou should have so much regard to my wishes as to 
alter any arrangement that you ma^' have made of your buisness 
in order to give me a place but I am bound to avail myself of all 
the chances in my reach to live. 

Since writing 3^ou last we have lost by drowning, vScalping &c 
14 persons none by natural death altho the country is sickly. 
Loss of property from hostility of Indians has been considerable. 

I have taken the liberty to send you a >^ bbl. of plain salt- 
ed salmoti w^hich I hope you will find good. We do not this year 
send home more than half a cargo. 

I am off for the Interior about the first next 
month. The winter will not admit of starting 
later. I am therefore obliged to trust the putting up of the 
salmon for my friends at home to Capt. Lambert. .Should there 
be any unsuitableness in it, I ask you to excuse it with the same 
good feeling you used to overlook more serious failings. 

I am Your obt Servt. Xathl. J. Wyeth 

CCXL. 

Fort William Sept 6th 1S35 

Friend Brown 

Doubtless you have observed in your quondam associ- 
ate some small imperfections, and altho he may now have no 



2o8] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITlONvS. 151 

temptation, yet the grain raa^^ be stil[l] in him. A quotation from 
an author you used sometimes to read will do for his creed 
"My son these maxims make a rule, 

And lump them ay the gether; 

The rigid righteous is a fool. 

The rigid wise anither: 

The cleanest corn that e'er was dight 

May hae some p^des o' Chaff in; 

So ne'er a fellow creature slight 

For random fits o' daffin.["] 
I am disappointed in not having rec[e]ived a single letter from 
home since I left the frontier settlements, while others have. I 
ktiow it is not reasonable that those who loose but one compan- 
ion should feel as much as those who loose all. A letter to the 
last is in the shape of food to the hungry man. The benevo- 
lent bestow in proportion to the want, therefore you should write 
me two letters for one. I am not scolding you for your good but 
for my own. I am in hopes to make you write either by force or 
fraud but whether 3'ou do so or not I am determined to continue 
the correspondence until 5^ou acknowledge me to be as bad as the 
old man who rode Sind Bad the Sailor and perhaps you may get 
rid of me in the same way. 

My last was dated Oct. 6th 1834 from this place since which 
time there has been the Devils own work in this Country 14 of our 
people drowned and killed and much property lost. Personally I 
am still happy go lucky with only a broken toe and two or three 
upsettings in cold water. This you know I am used to. I ex- 
pect to come to Boston about Nov. ist 1836, perhaps to stop. We 
this year put up about a half a cargo of Salmon y'z bbl. of which 
you will find marked with your name also one for m}' Father one 
for my wife for Leond Jarvis Chas Wyeth Leond I Wyeth. N. J 
Wyeth and Frederic Tudor. Any expense please charge to me. 
Will you give my sincere respects to your wife and a kiss all the 
little ones known and unknown and believe me one of those 
whose friendships hold from youth to age who has some ac- 
quaintances who are not friends and some friends who are not ac- 
quaintances and one who is friend and acquaintance, and ovXy 
one. 

Yrs &c Nathl. J. Wyeth. 
ccxu. 

Columbia River Sept 20th 1835 
Leonard Jarvis Esq. (Baltimore Md.) 

Dear Uncle My last was from this place dated 
Oct. 6th 1834. We have had a bad season for salmon. About 
half of a cargo only obtained. The salmon part of the buisness 
will never do. I have sent V2 a bbl. to you which you will re- 
ceive through Mr. Brown. Capt. Lambert attends to putting 



152 CORRESPONnENCH: [209 

them up, oil the voyage, as there is not time for me to do so be- 
fore. If there should be any thing wrong you will excuse it on 
this account. I am now a little better from a severe attack of 
billions Fever. I did not expect to recover, and am still a wreck. 
Our sick list has been this summer usually about one third the 
whole number and the rest much frightened. 13 Deaths have oc- 
curred beside some in the interior killed by the Indians. Some 
property has been lost also by Indians. I leave this in a few 
days for the interior to winter at Fort Hall. I intend in the spring 
to return to this place and take up goods then I shall turn my 
face toward the rising sun, and hope to have the pleasure of see- 
ing you about the last of Oct. 1836. I some think of taking the 
route b3' Santi Fee and N. Orleans but hostilities of the Indians 
render it uncertain what route I may be obliged to take but 
without serious accident I shall not be far from that time. I am 
surrounded with difficulties beyond any former period of my life 
and without the health and spirit requisite to support them. In 
this scituation you can judge if memory brings to me the warn-, 
ings of those (wiser and older) who advised a course which must 
at least have resulted in quietness. Yes memory lends its powers 
for torment. A few days ago she told me a tale which carried me 
back to early life, led me through the varying shades of days and 
years w^hile at every step the tale grew darker and at last delivered 
me to [the] horrors of the present time. What at that moment 
they were you may imagine, a buisness scattered over half the 
deserts of the earth, and myse[l]f a powerless lump of matter in 
the extremity of mortal pain with little hope of surviving a 
day and if it could have been said "he never existed" glad to go 
down with that sun. But with coming health comes also a sense of 
the obligations that we are under and say to us "Up and be 
doing." 

The above mv Dear Uncle are the clouds of sickness they will 
pass off before 1 reach the mountains and the clear air of the upper 
country. I have received no letters from home since leaving. There 
has been however a great number intercepted by one of the Cos. 
in the mountains as I have heard. Perhaps you have written by 
that route. You will remember me to my z'\unt desire her 
to accept that affectionate regard which she deserves from me. 
That she may pass without vicis[s]itude through Ufe is the wish of 
at least one of her old pets. I will not presume to wish you any 
definite good wish but only that all things may tend to complete 
and fulfil your happiness. 

believe me Dr Sir Yr Affte. Nephew Xathl. J. Wyeth 

CCXLII. 
Columbia River Sept. 2 2d 1835 
Bro Charles ( Baltimore) 

I am too buisv and too unwell to write 



2io] WYETH'S OREGON EXPEDITIONS. 153 

much even to you It sometimes appears to me that the nearer 
the person is to whom I write the less competent is the mode to 
the ideas I would wish to express. However this may be one 
thing I know. That to m^^ best friends I always write the short- 
est letters in fact I had nearly writ[t]en 3'ou as short an epistle as 
Caesars to the Senate viz "I am sick dead and buried" and 3^et I 
am not "the Scipper" but the last principle of humaii life is not 
extinct. Hope still maintains her throne and throws the mists, of 
futurity over the deformities and misfortunes that she cannot 
hide. 

Our salmon fishing has not succeeded. Half a cargo only ob- 
tained. Our people are sick and dying off like rotten sheep of 
billions disorders. I shall be off by the first next month to the 
mountains and winter at Fort Hall. In the Spring I shall return 
here then again to Fort Hall and start about June to see all in 
the States, luck}^ if I get through with all this without accident. 

I have sent Y-z a bbl. Salmon to you which you will receive 
through Mr. Brown. I hope they will be good but as I cannot 
personall}^ attend to putting them up I will not insure it. Now 
Charley may God give you to enjoy life, may the wife be all a 
wife should, and may the children be the solace of your age. 
I am Yr. afte Bro Nathl. J. Wyeth. 

CCXLIII. 

Columbia River Sept. 220 1835 
Bro. Leonard (N York) 

You often complain of short letters but as I get no 
return at all even short ones are enough for you. 

Salmon half a cargo one third of our people on the sick list 
continuall}^, 17 dead to this date is the amount of the summer. 
I am but just alive after having been so bad as to think of writ- 
ing up m^' last letters. 

I send you >^ a bbl. of Salmon but as I can not attend to putting 
them up myself you will excuse any imperfection. You will re- 
ceive them through Mr. Brown. I am off for the Mts. to winter at 
Fort Hall in about 6 days. I hope the winds of the hills will bring 
me up. I intend to return to this place in the Spring then to 
Santi Fee thence home by about the last of Oct. 1836. 

Please give my compliments to m}' sister and an affectionate 
kiss to all m}' little nieces and nephew. My respects also to the 
Messrs Osgoods and believe me 

yx afte. Bro. Nathl J W^^eth 

CCXLIV. 

Columbia River Sept 2 2d 18 33 [5] 
Dear Parents 

I avail myse[l]f of the last opportunitj' of writing 



154 CORRRSPONDRXCK: [21 1 

you for some time. I expect to be home b}- the ist Nov. next 
year therefore this will be m}' last until I see you. 

I have sent you % bbl. of Salmon which you will get through Mr. 
Brown. I hope they will prove good but I could not put them up my- 
self therefore if they are not quite right lay it to anyone but me. I 
have been ven,' sick but have recovered. The season has been 
very sickly and we obtained but about a half a cargo of Salmon. 
I am off for the mountains in about 6 da3^s. You may be sure 
I am much hurried or I would write a longer letter. 

I am yr afte. Son Xathl. J. Wveth. 

CCXLV. 
Columbia River Sept. 22d 1835 
Dear Wife 

I have been voxy sick but have got well and shall be 
on my way to the Mts. to winter at Fort Hall in about 6 days. I 
expect to be home about ist Nov. 1836. Mr Nuttall is here and 
well. I have sent you y^ bbl. Salmon which I hope will be in 
good order, I can not attend to putting them up myself there- 
fore they may not be so good. The season has been ver^^ sickly. 
We have lost by drowning and disease and warfare 1 7 persons to 
this date and 14 now sick. Keep up good spirits my dear wife for 
I expect when I come home to stop there and altho I shall be 
poor yet we can always live. I hope to find m}^ trees growing 
when I come and all things comfortable. I think this will be 
the last until I see you. Give my respects to j^our mother and 
Aunt Rebecca my love to Sister Mary and Bro. Perry if you see 
them. And believe me 

Yr afte Husband N. J. W. 

For letters after this date see small letter Book. 
[The book referred to has not vet been found.] 



JOURNAL OF CAPTAIN NATHANIEL J. WYETH'S 
EXPEDITIONS TO THE OREGON COUNTRY. 



[The book containing the Journal has been mutilated. There are 
traces of the removal of four leaves just preceding the page that 
has the first of the narrative preserved. According to "Wyeth's 
Oregon Expedition" the Wyeth party on his first expedition left 
Independence, Mo., May 3rd., 1832. June 6th would thus have 
been the thirty-fifth day on the route.] 

[June 6th, 1832.] 
gray and my face like a plumb pudding the skin is entirely 
bare [?] of skin is entirely off one of my ears On the bluf[f]s 
the ghnats are equally troublesome but they do not annoy us much 
except in the da^^ Geese appear here mated and I have seen 
some broods of gooselings. Some rain last night, still barren 
and grass bad our horses about the same our men troubled 
with the relax toward night found buffaloe killed one which 
made a scanty meal for all hands for supper made 25 miles 

7th Started out hunting killed two antelope about 10 saw 
a herd of Buffaloe crossing the River waited til they rose the 
Bank and commenced slaughter killed 3 and wounded many 
more these afforded a timely supply to the party and we ate 
heart [illy. Saw today the first appearance of muskrat since leav- 
the settlements also Pelicans. Last night in cutting a tree for 
fuel caught two young grey Eagles one of which we ate and found 
it tender and good also a Badger saw some rattlesnakes and some 
other kinds not known to me the men [horses?] appear a little 
better the men [horses?] about the same Thr. go deg. wind S. E. 
my face so swelled from the musquitoes and ghnats that I can scarce 
see out of my eyes and aches like the tooth ache 

9th I date this the same^- on ace of a mistake of a day her[e]- 
tofore made 30 miles and yesterday 25 arrived at the Chimney or 
Elk Brick the Indian name this singular object looks like a 
monument about 200 feet high and is composed of layers of sand 
and lime stone in layers the sand blowing out lets the lime rock 
fall down and this action has in time reduced what was once a 

*"Same" here seems to mean "as I do". 



156 JOURNAL: [213 

hill to a spire of nearly the same dimensions at top and bottom it 
looks like a work of art and the layers like the ranges of stone it 
is scituated about 3 miles from the river. Rain and thunder at 
night wind strong S. E. river as muddy as ever the bluf[f]s for 
the last 20 miles have occasionally a few stinted trees apparently 
Pitch pine and cedar the small streams that here empty into the 
Platte are frequently dry near the river during the day while 
above they are running free while at night there is running vvater 
entirely to the river Party in better order Horses about the 
same we now judge ourselves within 4 davs march of the Black 
Hills 

loth. 2S miles, 2 Buffaloe 

nth 30 miles, 6 Buffaloe 

1 2th Nothing remarkeable crossed Wild Horse Creek coming 
in from the S. 

13th Came in sight of the Black hills and crossed 
Larrimee fork of the Platte in getting over one of my rafts 
broke the tow line the raft went down stream lodged on a snag 
and upset wetting most of the goods on it and loosing two Horse 
loads as it lodged in the middle of the river and the stream [being] 
very rappid the goods were with difficulty passed ashore here 
an alarm was occasioned by the appearanceof 4 men on thebluf[f]s 
behind us and an attack w^as expected every moment which would 
have been bad as our party w^as much scattered in crossing 
They However proved to be apart of a party of 19 men in the em- 
ploy of Gant & Blackwell. They last winter lost all but 3 of their 
animals and in going to Sante Fee got enclosed by snow in the 
mountains and nearly starved to Death, and at first they were 
hard to tell from Indians or devils they are now in good health 
having felt well for some time all of them joined Mr. Fitzpatricks 
party and proceeded on foot with us to the mountains. Killed an 
antelope 

14th started late and left the river at which we had en- 
camped and proceeded 16 miles killed one antelope and one elk 

15th went out for game killed one antelope, 2 deer 2 Buff- 
aloe made this day 20 miles and passed the first of the Black 
hills the country is now thinly wooded with Box Elder ash 
Pitch pine cedar and cotton wood and a variety of small shrubs 
among which are the cherry, currant and thorn wild sage here 
almost covers the country and is a plant of many years gro[w]th 

arrived at camp found the company had killed plenty of Buffaloe 
and were encamped on a small stream coming in from the S. 20 
miles. 

1 6th Warm in mng. cold and rainy in the afternoon a little 
hard snow on the Peak of the Black hills a white Bear was seen 
this day Black ones for some days past. The lime rock still con- 
tinues primitive peb[b]les in the streams and on the knols the 



214] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 157 

hills pointed up very sharp from the same cause as the Chimney 

the country appears desolate and dreary in the extreme no one 
can conceive of the utter desolation of this region nevertheless 
the earth is decorated with a variety of beautifull flowers and all 
unknown to me hard travelling disenables our botanist to exam- 
ine them we have on the whole meat enough but the supply is 
too unstead}'. There are here two kinds of Rabbits the largest 
weighing about 15 lbs ears 6 inches long plover and other marsh 
birds a[re] common and some 2 or 3 kinds of Gvills. Struck the 
Platte river again here about 100 }'ds wide the water high and 
rapid we here find a small kind of Parsnip the blossom 3^ellow 
root about 5 inches long )/z inch thick of more than one years 
gro[w]th the men appear better Horses about the same made 
this da^' 20 miles 

17th Wind high N. W. Ther 40 a drear and cheerless day 
made 25 miles killed 3 Buffaloe i antelope i Deer crossed 2 
small streams from the Black hills running into the Platte saw 
some rabbits & white bears Hops. 

18 reached the place for fording the platte 

igth Passed over my goods during a severe wind without ac- 
cident 

20th Mr Subblettee passed over his goods and at night mooved 
on about 3 miles 

2ist Made along march of 30 miles during which one of my 
Horses gave out killed this day 3 Buffaloe and fired at a white 
bear arrived at camp at 1 1 ock at night. I have ommitted 
one day on the other side of the Platte I date this right we ar- 
rived at Rock Independence at noon after a march of 15 miles 

23''- Yesterda}- we left the Platte and struck the Sweet water on 
which this rock stands it is scituated in a gorge within 30 feet 
of the stream and is granite toda^' is warm last night frost and 
the two last days cold and disagreable from this time to 2nd July 
frost each night and snow^ once our course lay in various direc- 
tions from S. W. to N. W. following the Sweet water and leaving 
the first snowy mountains on the right hand on the 29th we 
crossed on to the head w^aters of the Colorado during all this time 
we found abundance of Buffaloe the travelling good but the grass 
poor the streams all fordable but rapid five streams have been 
crossed to this time and we are now encamped on the 6th all 
running into the Colorado trout are found here also some beav- 
er Some of my men talk of turning back and I give them all 
free liberty many of my horses have given out and the rest are 
failing fast and unless we soon come to better grass they will all 
die and leave me on foot the waters running into L,ewis river 



*The "23" is placed a little alwve and to the left of the word "left". 
From the 21st on the journal was evidently not written up until theeven- 
iug of July 2nd. 



T5H JOT-RXAI.: [215 

are not more than 8 miles distant, on the creek where we are 
there are pine trees in shape lik[e] a Balsam tree leaves like a 
pitch pine Bark rough yellowish and scaly The mountains in 
this region are not conspicuous are isolated and admitting free 
passage between them in any direction the creeks are sufficiently 
numerous for watering but feed is poor the ist [of] July we rested 
all the afternoon a respite quite acceptable to our wear>^ legs 
Our average during these days about 20 miles but in some cases 
quite circuitous White bears are seen but none have been killed. 
Wolves and antelopes plenty, King fishers Our hunters have 
just brought part of 4 Bufifaloe At night encamped on the same 
creek that we passed this mng. and soon after were visited In' 6 
me7i from Dripps & Fontenelles concern who with 13 others are 
encamped 5 miles from this place. This night at about 12 ock. 
we were attacked by Indians probably the Blackfoot. The}' ap- 
proached within 50 yds. and fired about 40 shots into the camp 
and some arrows they wounded three animals got 5 from Mr. vSub- 
blette One from an Independent hunter and 4 which I left out 
of camp for better feed mine were all poor and sore backed and 
useless 

3rd Decamped and in company with the men above men- 
tioned proceeded to their camp and passed on to our route which 
la}' W. This night encamped on the waters of the Coloi'ado 25 
miles 

4th Decamped and at noon crossed the divide and drank to 
my friends with mingled feelings from the waters of the Columbia 
mixed with alcohol and eat of a Buffaloe cow made this day 30 
miles and 25 yesterday The snow clad mountains now entirely 
surround us the streams this side increase rapidly. One bear 
seen this day the grass much better and some fertile land here 
the earth in some places was frozen snow yesterday and today. 
Three of my men are sick and I have no spare animals for them. 

5th We passed along a wooded River and through a very dif- 
ficult road by its side so steep that one of m}' Horses loosing his 
foothold in the path was rooled down about 100 feet into the river 
he was recovered but so much injured as we had to leave him 
shortly after. Made this day 20 miles 

6th We marched early and at 2 ock stop[p]ed on Lewis river 
and within 20 miles of the Trois Tetons three very conspicuous 
snow covered mouivtains visible in all this region this river here 
runs nearly S. and is divided over a lK)ttom about 2 miles and in- 
to 8 streams very rapid and difficult these we forded which con- 
sumed the time until night and encamped after making 18 miles 
on the W. bank with no grass, in the morning of the 7th we 
proceed[ed] up a small brook coming from a gap of the mountains 
due south of the Trois Tetons and passed the range of mountains 
of this range without much difficulty it is a good pass for such a 
range and fresli animals would have no difficulty in passing 



2i6] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 159 

through it On the highest point we had snow accompanied with 
heav3^ thunder and being out of meat fed upon the inner bark of 
the Balsam trees a tree similar if not the same with the Eastern 
Balsam[?] At Night we encamped at the foot of the pass on the 
western side and at the commencement of a large valle}' wdth sev- 
eral streams running through it into Lewis River surrounded 
wdth high and snow clad mountains The w^eather is here warm 
in the day time but frost ever}' night the grass is good ' the land 
ordinary. On the 8th we proceed[ed] into the plain and after a 
march of 10 miles arrived at the rendesvous of the hunters of 
this region here w^e found about 120 Lodges of the Nez Perces 
and about 80 of the Flatheads a company of trappers of about 90 
under Mr. Dripps of the firm of Dripps & Fontenelle connected 
with the American Fur Co. Man^^ independent Hunters and 
about 100 men of the Rocky Mountain Fur Co under Mess Mil- 
ton Sublette and Mr Frapp. I remained at this encampment un- 
til the 17th during which time all m}- men but 11 left me to 
these I gave such articles as I could spare from theneces[s]ities of 
my own Party and let them go. While here I obtained 18 Horses 
in exchange for those which were worn out and for a few toys 
such as Beads Bells red and Blue cloth, Powder and Balls fish 
hooks Vermillion old Blanketts We also supplied ourselves with 
Buifaloe robes we have now a good outfit and here we found 
plent}' of meat which can be had of the Indians for a trifle On 
the 17th we put out and ste[e]red S. E. in direction to a pass 
through the same mountains by which we entered the valley 
these Mts. run E. Sc W. and the pass I refer to is the next E. of 
the one refer[r]ed to and through it the watersof this valley reach 
Lewis River which is on the S. side of this range at night we en- 
camped within about 8 miles of the commencement of the pass On 
the 1 8th we did not leave camp when near starting we observed 
2 partys of Indians coming out of the pass about 200 in number 
with but few horses after securing our camp our riders went out 
to meet them and soon found them to be Blackfeet a little 
skirmish ensued one of the Blackfeet was killed and his Blankett 
and robe brought into camp on this the Indians made for the 
timber tlie women and children were seen flying to the mountains 
at this time only 42 men being the party of Mess Milton Sublette 
& Frapp mine and a few Independent Flunters were in sight and 
the Indians were disposed to give us their usual treatment when 
the}' meet us in small bodies but while the Indians we[re] making 
their preparations we sent an express to camp which soon brought 
out a smart force of Nez Perces Flatheads and whites the Indians 
finding they were caught fortified themselves in a masterly man- 
ner in the wood. We attacked them and continued the attack all 
day there were probably about 20 of them killed and 32 horses 
were found dead The}' decamped during the night leaving most 
of their utensials lodges &c and nianv of the dead we have lost 



i6o JOURNAL: [217 

3 whites killed 8 badly wounded among which is Mr Wm. Sub- 
lette who was extremely active in the battle about 10 of the 
Indians were killed or mortally wounded of the Nez Perces and 
Flatheads in the morning we visited their deserted fort they 
had dug into the ground to reach water and to secure themselves 
from our shot It was a sickening scene of confusion and Blood- 
[slhead one of our men who was killedinside* their fort we found 
mutilated in a shocking manner on the 19th we removed back 
to our former ground to be near our whole force and to recruit 
the wounded and bury the dead. We think that 400 lodges or about 
600 warriors of the Blackfeet are on the other side of the pass and 
if they come the}' must be met with our whole force in which case 
the contest will be a doubtful one. We have mad[e] Horse pens 
and secured our camp in as good a manner as we can and Avait 
the result this affair will detain us some days. On 24th we 
again moved out of the valley in the same direction as at first viz 
about S. E. and encamped at night in the gorge of it during the 
march I visited the scene of our conflict for the first time since 
the battle the din of arms was now changed into the noise of 
the vulture and the howding of masterless dogs the stench was 
extreme most of the men in the fort must have perished I soon 
retired from this scene of disgusting butchery On the 25th we 
proceeded through the pass which is tolerably good and in a direc- 
tion of about S. W. b}' S. and encamped 15 miles on Lewis 
River (here concentrated into one rapid stream) and about 30 
miles S. of where we crossed it in going into the valley we are 
now emploj^ed in making bull boats in order to cross it One 
Buffaloe and some antelope killed today 26 crossed the river in a 
bull boat without accident in 4 hours and moved on in a westerly 
direction al>out 4 miles when we struck into a deep ravine with a 
little water in it this ravine is bordered by high presipices on 
each side and is small 3 miles up this we encamped for the night 
this stream is called Muddy as there is several of this name it is 
requisite to distinguish this by the cognomen of Muddy that falls 
i!ito [the] "Lewis" 

26th we moved up the Muddy until we found the forks of it 
then followed the Right hand say 3 miles then took a south 
direction and struck another stream (small) and running in the 
opposite direction this we followed aV>out 5 mil[ejs making 15 
this day and encamped 

27th. We moved down the stream until its junction with an- 
other called Cirays creek which we crossed and assended a high 
bluff and travelled an average course of S. W. and encamped on 
a small creek making 15 miles this day 2 days since I first this 
side the mountain met with the prickly pear and since leaving 

"The word "inside" is crossed out with pencil and "near" written ahove 
it with pencil. 



2i8] WYETH\S FIRvST EXPEDITION. i6r 

the valley of the Retidesvous the fruit that was green one day 
is ripe the next. The nights are still frosty but the da^'S are ver^" 
warm as in N. E. at this time fruits we have 3 kinds [of] cur- 
rants one of gooseberry all different from those of the U. S. and 
Service berr^^s all the first are sour the latter sweet the coun- 
try through which we have travelled for these two days past 
has a strong volcanic appearance the streams occup)' what ap- 
pear to be but the craCclks of an over heated surface the rocks 
are blown up in blubbers like a smiths cinders some rocks ten 
feet through are but a shell being hollow. A substance abounds 
like bottle glass of about the same weight not so transparent 
about as brittle the fracture is smooth and gloss}^ with the ex- 
ception of the cracks as above the country is tolerabW level for 
a mountainous country but excessively dry. During our first 
days march from Lewis River beside the ravine above men- 
tioned we passed three craters of small volcanoes (as I suppose) and 
I am told there is a boiling spring near the same place We here 
find buffaloe plenty and fat and entirely different from those met 
with in the Spring on the Platte it is preferable to the best beef. 
Our party have taken lice from the Indians they are a great 
trouble as well as the Musquitoes these last trouble us in the 
da}' but the frost seals their wings at night when the first relieve 
them vmtil morning. 

On the 28 we moved in a direction about S. W. and during the 
march took the bearing of the Trois Tetons which was N. E. b}' 
E. and I think 75 miles we made 7 miles and encamped on a 
little stream meandering through a valley of about 100 acres of 
fine Black land with the grass as good as the buffaloe and the 
cold weather could admit of. Here we found plent}' of cows and 
more Bulls 13 of the first were killed they were fat and we stop- 
ped to make meat these cows were killed by running them down 
which is a dangerous method expensive in horses and Requiring 
much skill in Riding We of course were obliged to employ help 
for none could be got by approaching while they were Running 
them 

29tli We remained all day making meat with a hot sun this 
morning sent 3 men down the creek fishing they caught 21 Sal- 
mon Trout and returned at 10 this afternoon it rained hard and 
during the storm the squaw of one of the party was delivered of 
a Boy in the bushes whither she had retired for the purpose it[s] 
head was thickly covered with Black hair it was as w^hite as is 
usual with the whites in less than an hour afterwards the squaw 
made her appearance in camp as well and able for a days travel 
as usual it continued raining all night and until 8 of the 30 
on which ace. our march was defer[r]ed for the day which was 
afterward fine and our meat dried well. 4 Beavers were caught 
from about 12 traps last night during this day one of the party 
saw an Indian which must have been a Blackfoot as otherwise he 



t62 JOURNAL: [219 

would have come to camp yesterday and today we had Thunder 
& Hail as well as rain. 

ist. Augt I date this the ist. on ace. of having missed a day in 
the time past. This day we made about 15 miles in a S. \Y. 
direction and most of the way in a deep valley and encamped on 
a small creek running into one called Blackfoot this latter is the 
second stream we have passed which em[p]ties into S. fork of Tewis 
River the first was called Grays River and is also small (this 
.since crosdng T^ewis River) Here we stopped until the 4th to 
make meat of which I made enough to eat and 110 more while the 
other two parties who had go[o]dbuffaloe Riders and Horses made 
considerable while her[e] we lost one Horse while attempting to 
Run BufFaloe b}' throwing his Rider and Running among the 
Euffaloe and going off with them I .sent out a part}' to get fish 
of two men the}' Returned with about a peck of craw fish and a 
dozen of trout these average about ilb and are fine eating. We 
have here the vSandhill Cranes in plenty. On the 4th we moved 
due south and crossed Blackfoot and struck over to a stream em- 
tying into the same as Blackfoot called Portneuf from a man kill- 
ed near it 18 miles here we found Bufliiloe in the bottom and the 
Hunters are now out Running them. Here we remained this day 
and the 5th when the men I had sent out to hinit the horse re- 
turned as I had expected them on the 4th I was much alarmed 
for their saf[e]ty being in a dangerous country while here we 
made 7 bales meat On the 5th. we mooved S. down the valley 
3 miles and encamped on a creek running into the valle}- on the 
7th we made 21 miles first down the N. side of the valley and 
taking the first creek running out of the valle}- then in a S. \\'. 
direction and encamped on it from the valley above mentioned 
rises Bear River running into the the Big Salt Lake distant 
about S. K. 50 miles Currants and service berrys are now ripe. 
I have been sick from indigestion for some days more so than I 
ever was before. We have here the vSandhill Crane Turtle dove 
Robbin Blackbirds (Crow & Cow) Kingfishers Black & Mallard 
Ducks, {7e[e]se. We find meat making a tedious buisness. On 
the 8th we moved S. W. 15 miles following the main Portneuf 
out of the valley for about 1 2 miles then took one of its tributaries 
for about 3 miles and encamped on the S. W. .side of the 
val[l]ey in which this branch runs here we cached 6 Horse loads 
of goods and remained on the 9th & loth & nth moved on in 
a S. W. direction not following an}' stream but passing the ridge 
lx)rdering the valley in a low place near where a small run ]-)uts 
into the valley from a very rugged pass. We made this day 15 
miles and encamped on a small run going into [the] Portneuf. 

12th We made in a vS. W. direction about 6 miles not follow- 
ing any stream but encamped on a very small run with poor grass. 

13 We made 24 miles in a west and by N. direction and met 
no water for this distance and encamped on a very small run issu- 



22o] WYETH'vS FIRST EXPEDITION. 163 

ing from a spring a few miles from Lewis River we are here in 
sight of the River running through an extensive valley in a S. W. 
direction here are the American falls the place may be known 
by several high and detached hills arising from the plain the falls 
at one place [are] 22 feet and the Rapids extend a considerable 
distance down the River We found here plenty of Buffaloe sign 
and the Pawnacks come here to winter often on account of the 
Buffaloe we now find no buffaloe there are here abundance of 
Service berrys now ripe during a short walk from camp this 
mng. I saw a buif colored fox with a white tip on his tail. 
Wolves here serenade us every night making more noise than 50 
village dogs and better music for the^' keep in chord and display 
more science 3'esterday we parted from 16 men bound out trap- 
ping. We are now in a countr}" which affords no small game and 
a precarious chance for Buffaloe 

14th We made 30 miles in a S. W. direction and encamped 
on a cresk called Casu''^ River it joins the main River below the 
Am. falls. This da^'^s Ride was through an excessively barren 
country with no water between the two last camps on the X. 
side of the Lewis River and about 50 miles distant from it is a 
range of snowy mounts. [There arejalso two or three points in the 
chain of this side with snow on them. 

r5th We made along the banks of the Ocassia about 25 miles 
and encamped on the west bank of it. The valle}' of the Ocassia 
is about 4 miles wide and of a rich soil but the excessive cold and 
drouth of this country prevents vegetation from assuming a fer- 
tile character. The air is so dry that percussion caps explode 
without striking and I am obliged to put the caps on and fire im- 
mediately except in the night when we consider it safe to keep 
the caps on the guns we have in this country a large kind of 
black crickett 2 inches long said to be used as food by the Indians 
they are in great numbers and roost on the .sage at noonday 
there are also in the streams abundance of craw-fish we see an- 
telope and old buffaloe sign 

1 6th We made 25 miles up the same side of the Ocassia then 
cro.s.sed it and followed S. W. 3 miles and encamped on a small 
mountain run making in all 28 miles in a W b^' S. direction 
yesterdays march was in a direction W by S. 

17th We moved in a W. by S. direction about 15 miles to a 
creek putting into Lewis River on which we found no beaver of 
consequence having been trap[p]ed out by the H. B. Co. some 
years before. 

1 8th We moved out up the creek about Smiles and still found 
no beaver saw one Pidgeon Woodpecker this creek runs through 
what are called cut rocks otherwise volcanic in this region I 
found one mountain of Mica Slate enclosing garnetts. The Ba- 

"Tlie name is thus written above "Ocassia" crossed out. 



t64 JOURNAL: [221 

saltic rock appears to bs the same formerly and the remains of 
the Garnetts are in some cases to be seen, also I have found 
here granite in small blocks there is also much white sand- 
stone compact the clefts [cliffs?] on each side of this creek are 
high and perpendicular but the bottom affords good grass for this 
country. There is no timber except willow and alder in the bot- 
tom and cedar on the hills this days course about S. along the 
creek 

19th We moved up the creek about 12 miles in a S. W. di- 
rection there was still little beaver this afternoon I took 2 men 
and proceeded from camp about 8 miles about W. following the 
creek and slept there at sunrise on the 20tli we moved up about 
1 2 miles in a W direction and while I was engaged in the brook 
setting a trap we found three Indians following us the two men 
were on the bank and were seen but myself in the creek was un- 
noticed when the}^ crossed to go to the men I presented my 
pistol to the first one who made a precipitate retreat back while I 
made mine to m^'-gun having got which I bec[k]oned them to come 
to me which they did we then went to camp which we found 
had moved this day about 10 miles in same direction these In- 
dians were Snakes the first we had seen during the march the 
party passed a hot spring the country still volcanic. 

2ist We followed the creek in a N. W. direction about 5 miles 
when we met a village of the Snakes of about 150 persons having 
about 75 Horses they were poorly off for food and clothing but 
perfecth- friendly they are diminutive in person and lean. We 
encamped to trade with them but did n.othing except getting a 
few skins for moccasins this morning caught my fiist Beaver a 
large one. 

22nd We followed the same creek about 2 mil[e]s and then 
struck into a ravine in a west direction and in about 6 miles came 
to a warm spring near a cold one which formed a run which 
we followed in a west by S. direction this we folhnved about 2 
miles and encamped making this day 18 miles 

22nd We proceedLed] in a S. W. direction and struck the 
same stream on another branch about 2 mils from the junction 
about 15 mils this day these two streams unite and run in a N. 
direction through impassable cut rocks this night caught 2 
Heaver and slept out of camp. 

24th Proceed up the creek in a vS. W. l)y W. direction about 
18 miles then in a W. by N. direction al)out 6 miles. The last 
half of this days travel was through clefts of Scienite rock pretty 
well broke to pieces ])y heat apparently we have here 2 kinds of 
Liz[z]ards the one like that of the I'nited vStates as far as I could 
see the other shorter and more sluggish here we find the banks 
of the streams lined with Diggers Camps and Trails but they are 
shy and can seldom be spoken and then there is no one who 
could understand them and they appear to know little alxnit the 



222] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 165 

signs which afford other Indians a mode of intelligence from 
this region specimens No. i are obtained. 

25th We made in a W. direction along the same creek 20 
miles. 

26th In a W by N. direction about 20 miles 

27th In a S W direction toward a snowy mountain and leav- 
ing the last creek 24 mils and struck one here running S. E. 
Countrj'- desolate in the extreme most of the creeks which have 
water in them on the mountains dry up in the plains of 
this region 

28th did not move more than 2 mils up. 

29th About 5 miles in a vS. W. Direction to cross a range of 
high hills until we struck a creek running in a N. W. direction 
which we followed 12 mils and encamped where the creek goes 
into the cut rocks this day we parted from Mr. Sublett[e]s party 
with feeling of regrett for this party have treated us with great 
kindness which I shall long remember. 

30th We followed the creek in a X. W. direction about 12 mils 
through tremenduous cut rocks I went ahead to look the route I 
passed the smoking fires of Indians who had just left 4 of whom I 
saw running up the mountain endeavoured by signs to induce them 
to come to me but could not Soon after I came to another camp 
I happened to find their plunder this induced them to come to 
me 3 men one boy 4 women from these Indians I procured fresh 
Salmon Spawn which was very encouraging as we are nearly out 
of provisions and the country would afford us a scanty subsist- 
ence I gave these Indians a few small presents to convince 
them of our friendly disposition. This day for the first time in 
this country saw raspberrys these Indians gave me a cake made 
of service berr\'S quite good they had about a Dozen of spotted 
fish of a kind I had never seen resembling a Tom-cod. These 
Indians are small about 120 of a good countenance they are 
Snakes or Sosshonees. 

30th''- We followed the same creek and made about 1 5 [milesJ in a 
N. N. \\'. direction through a continued defile in many places ad- 
mitting just room for the water through which in many places 
we were obliged to make our way The mountains on each side 
are about 1000 feet above the creek which has a rapid decent 
here are a small fish about 141b. similar to a trout but with large 
dark spots. We meet here plent}^ of cherrys currants and goose- 
berrys the latter sour. The last of yesterdays and the first of to- 
days route lay through Porphritio Granite rocks in their natural 
state the latter part of to days was through a stratified blue 
sandstone untouched bv fire for a short distance then assumed a 



*The author seems to have lost his bearings with his dates. His uncer- 
tainty tirst appears on the 17th and continues patently throut;h to the 4tli 
prox. 



1 66 JOrRXAL: [22:, 

volcanic appearance. This day we assended the highest mount- 
ain in sight and found the exhibit an indescribable chaos the 
tops of the hills exhibit the same strata as far as the eye can reach 
and appear to [have] once form[ed] the level of the country and the 
vall[e]y to be formed by the sinking of the earth rather than the 
rising of the hills through the deep cracks and chasms thus form- 
ed the rivers and creeks of this country creep which renders 
them of the most difficult character to follow in the brooks we 
have^fresh water clams on which we look with some feeling for 
the small quantity of Buffaloe meat now remaining admonishes us 
look for some other means of living game there is little and be- 
ing obliged to travel prevents our hunting much, from this 
place the specimen in Bag No. i of vitrified quartz was taken. 

31st We followed the same creek about 4 miles in a N. direc- 
tion then took a dry ravine 2 miles in a vS. E. then in a N. direc- 
tion and then followed down another dry ravine about r mile 
when the rocks on each side closed over the top and formed a 
natural Bridge elevated about 50 feet while the sides approached to 
within 20 feet of each other and the bottom decended perpendicular- 
ly about 60 feet we of course returned on our trail and then 
ste[e]red a N. Iv direction about 4 miles and encamped on a little 
ravine in which there was only a little v»ater standing in deep 
places and barely enough for us and our horses. The first half 
mile of our route la>' through the bed of the creek and among 
rocks from i foot to 3 or 4 in diameter this was u very dif- 
ficult task and several of our horses fell in the water this day 
we lost two horses which gave out the country still bears the 
same appearance as for several days past. 

2nd Sept. We left our camp in the ravine assended to the 
height of land which we found to be a high level plain over which 
we marched in a X. N. \V. direction and found during a ro hours 
march 2 springs which as the day was warm were acceptable at 
the end of 30 miles we reached the creek wliicli we left on the 3 1st 
We found rabbits plenty on the plain our camp was made sur- 
rounded bv high and and perpendicular clilts say Soo feet bearing 
every mark of fire here we found little grass for our horses. 

3rd W^e lay at the same camp and got fish from the i>rook 
enough for breakfast after which 1 took La J horse and followed 
the creek down alxnit i mile and found another larger joining it 
a little l:>elow which there is a warm spring issuing from the bank 
about 40 feet alxn-e the stream it gives out smoke when it meets 
the air and discharges a large quantity of water about 2 miles 
farther down I found a small party of Indians from whom 1 ob- 
tained 8 fish weight about 4lbs each and looking like a .salmon 
ior these I gave 4 Hooks they were friendly ihey advi.se me to 
follow the right hand trail but I have determined to take the 
lelt and shall perhajis repent it. The left leads X. W. which 1 
think [isj my direction 1 returned to camp and three of the 



224] WVKTH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 167 

Indians with me. One of these Indians had a bad wound on the 
side of his head and from his signs and appearance was made 
with a poisoned arrow. 

3rd We moved camp in the proposed direction viz X. \V. 16 
miles During which distance we found stagnant water once and 
encamped near about 15 Indians diggers 3 of our men we left at 
the last camp to set their traps at some signs there seen. These 
Indians are very poor and timid when I approached them alone 
on a gallop they all began to run but by moderating my pace and 
making signs the[y] suffered me to come to them they gave me 
some sweet root to eat for which I gave them 3 Hooks they had 
a young yellow legged eagle with them and most of the diggers 
we have met had a small kind of Hawk at their camps these they 
feed and tame this party also had a young bird tame re.sembliug 
a King Bird this days travel was on a high plain and good going 
on an old trail these Indians had with them staves for fish spears 
so we presume they are going to the river for fish and so think 
ourselves on the right trail. For three nights passed there has 
been no frost a thing which has not befor[e] happened for three 
nights in all since leaving rock Independence. Snow spit we 
had the 28th Aug. Today a slight sprinkle of Rain being 
the 2nd time since leaving the Rendesvous. 

4th We left the camp early and proceeded over a high and 
pretty level plain gradually decending to the N. W. in a X. X. 
W. direction and after 20 mils travel without water came to 
ravines running K. and dry having gravelly and sandstone (un- 
touched by fire) bluf[fs] and in 5 mils more came to the creek we 
had left on mug. of the 3rd. [on] the banksof which we found every 
20 steps or thereabouts warm or hot .springs and the creek tho 
large and discharging a great quantity [of] water too warm to be 
palatable Here we found an Indian and family of whom for 2 
fish Hooks we bought 7 salmon of about 4 lbs weight each when 
green, they were split and dried. The two men left behind not 
having yet come up we intend halting here for them. The creek 
is here lined with volcanic rock today [we] saw the first fish 
Hav»-k in this country. 

4th La[y] at camp and repacked our goods and held a smoke 
with .some Indians one of whom we engaged as a guide down the 
river and to Beaver smoked too much and made myself .sick 

5th Moved on about 5 mils X. X. W. and again struck the 
creek and good grass found Beaver sign very plenty and for the 
first time set all our traps at good sign had a mess of fresh 
clams for dinner after which 2 Indians came to us with 4 salmon 
which we bought for 2 Hooks I'his da}' heard what we all took for 
a cannon at about 10 mils distance time will determine whether 
we were mistaken. In this creek there are a great number of 
snakes about 3 feet long with a large head and of a brownish 
grev color about the proportion of the striped snake of X. K. 



TbS JOURNAL: [225 

They Inhabit the water and I saw one catch a small fish within 
two feet of me while bathing at a warm spring which put into 
the main stream The bathing at these warm springs is delicious 
there are hun.dreds of them and some large enough to dive in 
vSome gush out of the rocks at an elevation of 40 feet above the 
stream and discharge enough water for a mill I can perceive no 
unusal taste in the water. 

6th Remained at same camp and were visited at 10 ock in 
the morning by two Indians with whom we held a smoke we 
can learn nothing of any white post by these Indians caught 7 
Beaver 

7th Remained at same camp and exchanged two horses with 
some Pawnack Indians three of whom visited us also about 10 
Sohonees with Salmon of which they have plenty here we caught 
a N. England vSucker also a fish a little resembling [a] pike of about 3 
lbs weight but without teeth. Caught 3 Beaver. Ravens are 
here very plenty and tame the[y] light on the perpendicular sides 
of the creek waiting for fish on which they live. Oe[e]se and 
ducks are also plenty as well as grouse. vSome of the Indians 
have guns but most of them go unarmed The creek here for 
about 10 miles runs W. N. W. 

8th Mooved camp down the creek about 12 miles and came to 
the village under the escort of about 20 Indians on Horseback 
one of whom by the direction of the chief shewed us the place 
for our camp where grass and water could be had here the 
chief Harangued his people telling them not to come into our lines 
nor steal from the white people he sent his squaws with wood 
for us and also sent salmon for us to eat I gave him a present of 
tobacco awls Hooks Powder vermillion knives ect. Here I 
traded a Beaver skin robe for two knives and six skins with many 
muskrat which are plenty here I found these Indians great 
thieves in the small line knives ect. Missing mine I went to one 
of the Sub Chiefs and told him of it he made enquiry and point- 
ed out the thief who refusing to open his Robe I gently did it for him 
but inste[a]d of finding the knife found a coat of one of the men 
which he held upon until I drew a pistol on which he gave it up 
and caught up what he supposed to [be] one of our guns but it 
happened to be my covered fishing rod he was then held by tlie 
other Indians and sent to the village and I saw him no more 

gth In [the] morning went to see the Indians catch Salmon which 
is done bv entangling them in their passage up the creek among 
dams which they erect and spearing them they catch an im- 
mense quanity the operation commences in the morning at a 
signal given by their chief. This chief is a good sized man atid 
very intelligent and the President would do well if he could pre- 
serve the respect of his subjects as well or maintain as much 
die;nitv 



226] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 169 

xo Mooveddowii the main river in a S. W. direction which 
here runs through moderate banks in a moderate current We 
are told that the next creek has beaver by the chief and that it 
is 4 days march The main river is here full of salmon which 
continualh' jump above the the surface like sturgeon. 

loth Mooved camp along the Bank of the river 3 miles there 
the river diverging to the Northward we left it and followed the 
main trail the river here goes[?] through cut rocks about 30 
miles We made this day 20 mils in all in a W. N. W. Direc- 
tion and encam-ped in poor grass on a small creek i mile from the 
main river during the march we crossed a small creek up which 
about 2 mils is a fine camp. 

nth Moved at 3 a. m. and followed the trail 24 mils in a W. 
N. W. Direction and encamped on the bank of the main river 
which is here a fine stream about a Vs mile or over. I swam 
across it and found it over my head all the way here we found 
Indians and bought Beaver 3 skins for i shoe knife and 4 
charges powder & lead we also got salmon of them the Basalt 
here occurs resting on sand and gravel in some places the rock 
is not more than 4 feet thick and appears to have suffered from 
intense heat the country is barren in the extreme there is us- 
ual[l]yadiifereticeof 40 deg. between the day & night the heatat 
noondav about 75 to 85 deg. The Indians here have large nets 
made in the European manner of the hemp of the country. The 
trail on the river so far is fine and much used. 

12 Moved camp 15 miles on the trail in a W. N. W. direc- 
tion and following the bank of the river which is here a gentle 
stream of aboiit 4 miles and '•< mile wide. Gnats here trouble 
us much and the days are extremely hot about 85 deg. and the 
nights warm enough for comfort The river is full of salmon and 
a plenty of them are to be had of the Indians whom we meet 
every few mils fishing on the banks of the stream Some of the 
grass is here so salt that it cati be washed in a pot of water and 
enough seasoning for boiling obtained grass is generally poor. 
The banks ai^ here generally sand Man^' kinds of water fowl 
frequent the river here today we bought a fish of the Indians 
dried excessiveh' fat and when alive a large fish, sturgeon 
probably 

1 3th moved camp along the bank of the river and following 
the trail 24 miles only deviating from the river about 3 mils 
of the last of the travel. The first 6 miles the river is W. the 
next 3 N. W. then vS, W. 3 then taking a circular sweep 
round to N. by E- which was 9 miles then left the river and in 3 
miles struck a creek about as large as Charles River at W^ater- 
towu, where we found grass, salmon and Indians and the first 
timber we have seen since leaving the Mts. in sight on what ap- 
pears to be a river coming in from the N. side this I mean to 
ascertain tomorrow and the next dav I shall start to explore the 



T70 JOURNAI.: [227 

creek for Beaver This forenoon and yesterday forenoon were 
cloudy and the first cloudy weather for 2 months except as men- 
tioned before. We[a]ther still as warm as 80 deg. in day time 
buy salmon for a hook apiece. 

I4tb Mooved camp in a N. N. W. Direction 5 miles and en- 
camped on the main river being out of provisions I sent a man 
on a mule to buy some salmon he went up the river about 3 
miles and called to some Indians on one of the Islands to brin.g 
some these he bought afterward another Indian came over with 
some the man thinking he had got nearly enough offered him a 
less price this displeased the Indian who slapped him in the 
face and at the same time hit the mule a kick which set him out 
on the run and the Indian ran quick enough to avoid vengeance 
the man came to camp much displeased having had to walk most 
of the way and carry his fish this day also visited by Indians 
from below with salmon 

15th Sent 3 men and 4 animals to examine the small river 
for beaver this day a X. \V. wind much like the N. K. of the 
Atlantic with some little rain (at the same camp) this day took 
a ride down the river to examine for a camp i6th N. W. wind 
still took a ride up the river to find a camp where timber, fit for 
a raft which we propo.se to build to carry some of the loose bag- 
gage and some men who are on toot can be found, found none 
saw some beaver sign in trading for some salmon an Indian 
attempted to sna[t]ch a paper of fish hook[s] from me but he did 
not make out returned to camp and sent two men to trap for 
the beaver they left their horses and went into the willows to 
look [for] the sign during which time the Indians none of whom 
were in sight stole a cloak from Mr. Ball. They found the beaver 
had lately been trapped out .say within 3 weeks next morning 
they returned to camp 

17th Mooved camp N. by W. 16 miles and encamped on a 
creek aV>out as large as the last near a few lodges of Indians the 
main river about two miles to X. H. This creek appears to run 
vS. W. The Inds. .say there is beaver on it the mani river here 
makes a con.siderable detour to the X. A'esterday had hail and 
rain & s;iow and today tlie Mts. to the Xorthward are white 
v.'ith it. 

18th With 2 men I went up the creek this I followed about 
50 miles and found its general course about W l)v X. the first 
15 miles v^. W. then W. 20 then X. X. W. 15 where the cut 
rocks begin This is a large stream when tlie waters are high in 
the spring but now is sluggish here we got a few 1 weaver It had 
been trapped by the H. B. 2 years before we saw no Indians 
on it dviring the 9 days I was up. On the loth day I returned to 
where I left the party and feeling in the mood of banter I told 
the Indians at the mouth of the creek (the party having left) that 
I had eaten nnthine-' for two davs this to see if thcA- would yive 



228] WYRTH'S FIRvST EXPEDITION. lyr 

me anything for charity sake, One of them went and looked at 
m^' saddle and pointed to me the fresh blood of a beaver I had 
that morning caught and left with the two men I then bought 

2 salmon for one awl afterward I told him I had three children at 
home he brought forward three tawn}' brats and his squaw who 
was big I backed out of story telling with Indians. I then pro- 
ceeded on until the moon went down when seeing a light I made 
for it after traveling 5 miles I found it to be an Indian camp on 
the other side of the river I then unsaddled my horse and slept 
until 4 ock when I mounted and at 9 ock found where my 
party had camped the same night and a notice in the trail 
of their motions at 1 1 ock I overtook them with my horse lame 
and jaded. I found an Indian with the party who seems to know 
the route to Wallah Wallah and he intends going with us Dur- 
ing my absence the three men sent up the creek above the one I 
went up returned without accident, and during the same time Mr. 
Sublette with Mr. Frapp & party joined our camp and crossed 
by fording to the other side of the river intending to divide into 

3 parties and trap up three streams coming in opposite the up- 
per one of which we thought to be salmon river it proves to be 
called Big Woody on account of the timber on it. They 
attempted to come down on the creek above the one I 
asscended but after toiling long and wearing down their horses 
in a cruel manner they crossed to the one that we decended and 
arrived at the Indian village the day after we left it he left be- 
fore I returned I regretted much not seeing this party, from 
Information gained here we suppose that we shall meet no Indians 
between this and the fort have threfore provided as much salmon 
as we could get and put ourselves on allowance. Subblette who 
went to 2 creeks further than I did saw a large stream running 
vS. W. this must either turn and be some large river coming in- 
to Lewis below here or be the head water of some river going to 
the Gulph of California. After joining camp we proceed[ed] on 
to a creek coming from the N. W. which is our route the river 
here being impracticable and taking a great bend to the N. and 
shall v.'ait here until the two men who went up with me come to 
camp The river from where I lefCt] camp runs about N. 20 miles 
then west 10 miles then N. again into cut rocks found the party 
all well and the horses much recruited 

29th We lay at same camp. 

30th Mooved about 5 miles the creek running aljout \\\ 

I Oct Mooved camp along same creek about 5 miles still \a'. 

2nd x\t same camp at this place the bears dung was plentv 
but we saw but one. 

3rd Moved camp about 15 miles creek still west and trail 
good. 

4th With an Indian and 4 men I left camp in order to explore 
this creek the X. W. trail here leaving it after leaving camp I 



172 JOURNAL: [229 

proceed[ed] over bad hills about iS miles avid encamped among 
cut rocks on the same creek it here being W. by S. during the 
march we observed a range of high snow}^ mountains to the N. 
of us but \v[b]ether on our hide of the river or not could not de- 
termine. 

5th Made about 5 miles through intolerable cut rocks some 
beaver 

6th At same camp. 

7th 5 mils on same creek which bears W. by vS here left it. 
having sent a messenger to camp with orders to proceed on the 
route to Wallah Wallah and stefeJring north passed some snow- 
clad mounts, which we walked up with bare feet and after 25 
mils struck a small run going into the next creek during this 
day we passed through an immense forest of pine of different 
kinds and unknown to us altho very similar to some of ours 
on these mountains we found unripe service berrys, cherrvs and 
thorn apple all of which are gone on the rivers it snowed and 
rained most of the day many of the pines were 4 feet through 

8th Moved 4 miles to the main creek and laid down cold and 
hungry and supperless hoping that our traps wonld give us 
beaver in the morning 

9th (rOt 7 beaver and went to eating like good fellows moo\'- 
ed this day 6 m.iles down creek here running about N. 

loth Moved N. and down creek about 15 miles and found 
the rest of the party who had come on the mail trail in an average 
N. W. direction about 45 miles This day rain this creek 
from where we strvick it to this place runs in an extensive plain 
of fertile soiie equal to the best I ever saw of about 5 rails average 
width here we raised a great smoke and am told by our Indian 
that the Nez Perces will see it and come to smoke with us 

nth To the S. W. of us is a range of snow clad Mts. the 
Indian says it is 7 days to Wallah Vrallah. This creek runs 
about X. E. by K. 

iith vStarted at S ock and moved about X. X. W. 30 miles 
over high ground of good soil. 

1 2th Left the party after killing a horse of the poorest kind 
for food in order to go ahead to find indians or whites or food 
The party liere remained one day in a valley of about 20 miles 
long and 15 wide of a very fertile soil in this valley saw exten- 
sive camps of Indians about one month old here they find sal- 
mon in a creek running through it and dig the Kamas root but 
not an Indian was here at this time we put out in a X"". W. di- 
rection and assended the hills which soon became wooded with 
good timber our course this day was about X. X. W. and 40 
miles I had with me an Indian and three men and a little horse 
meat we camped this night in the woods without water. 

13th Arose early and continued our route until 9 ock and 
stopped for lireakfast of bad Horse meat on a creek of some size 



23o] WVETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 173 

where we found the red thorn apple and a few cherries after 3 
hours stop we moved across the creek w'hich runs West and is 
called Ottillah on ascending the opposite bluff we saw a smoke 
about 20 mils down on it to which we went and found some 
poor horses in charge of a squaw and some children the men 
were all out hunting they had no food but rose berrys of w'hich 
we made our supper they were much fright[en]ed at our approach 
there having been some Indians of this tribe viz Walla Walla 
killed by the snakes above, and this family was murdered the 
night after we left them 

In the morning of the 14th we put out about N. and arrived at 
fort Walla Walla about 5 ock in the evening distance 30 miles 
near the fort the river Walla Walla was crossed which is about 75 
feet wide and about 2 feet deep current moderate the size of the 
last creek passed I was received in the most hospitable and 
gentlemanly manner by Peanbron [Pambrun] the agent for this post 
the fort is of no strength merely sufficient to frighten Indians 
mounting 2 small cannon having tw^o bastions at the opposite 
corners of a square enclosure there were 6 whites here. My 
party arrived on the i8th having fared for food in the same man- 
ner as m^'self but for a longer time. They met a Nez Perce vil- 
lage on the 1 6th and got a supply of food they passed my trail 
and vv^ent N. of it and struck the main river above the fort they 
brough[t] in all the horses At the post we saw a bull and cow & 
calf, hen & cock, paakins, potatoes, corn, all of which looked 
strange and unnatural and like a dream. They gave me a de- 
cent change of cloth[e]s which was verj- acceptable I took a ride 
up the river g miles to the junction of Lewis River which comes 
in from the S. H. and soon takes a S. course the Columbia comes 
here from the N. W. 

On the 19th I took leave of my hospitable entertainer in one of 
the Cos. barges with m3' party leaving m}- horses in his charge at 
the fort and proceeded down the river about 4 mils and s[t]opped 
to tighten our boat the river forms fine eddies to work up with 
and about 3 mile current down the 2nd run of fish failed this 
year in the river and the Indians are picking up the most nause- 
ous dead fish for food the course of the river [is] about S. W. 

20th Left the beach at sunrise the River still S. W. and kept 
on until about noon when a furious wind arose from the S. W. 
and stopped our further progress the sand flew so as to obscure 
the air Here we traded a few fish from the natives for Hooks 
awls powder &c made 10 miles during which we passed some 
rapids of a bad character at which in times of high water portage 
is necessary the ge[e]se are luimerous seated on the banks of the 
river. River W. by S. a large snowy mountain S. W. b}* W. 
ahead which the river leaves to the left called b3' the Fren.ch 
"Montague de Neige" made 10 miles 



174 JOURNAL: [231 

2 1 St Wind same but more moderate Put down the river still 
W by S. passed a large Island at the lower end of which we 
stopped for the night. Ther. 22 deg. Made 16 miles during the 
day our boatman bought a colt which we found fine eating 
shagg and ge[e]se plenty 

22nd Made 30 miles wind moderate and no rapids of much 
dif[f]iculty stopped at night at a village where was a chief sick to 
whom our conductor administered some medicine and bled him 
his eyes were exceeding yellow and his blood after standing a 
short time was covered with a scum of yellowish green he gave 
us a horse to eat of which he had 260 in fine order and of good 
breed we found the meat equal to any beaf and quite different 
from the poor and sick old ones we had eaten. The}' here sell 
Horses for 100 loads am[m]unition i Blankett and }( lb tobacco. 

23rd The chief much better and we left him Yesterday our 
people in search of wood of which there is none but drift here 
found a pile wdiich they brought to our fire but were soon told 
by tlie natives that they had robbed the dead we will avoid the 
like mistake in the future we made this day 28 miles during 
which distance we passed one bad rapid and the river John Day 
from a trader of that name. This river is large but obstructed 
by rapids and enters from the S. is 79 miles below Walla Walla 
no rain as yet but we are informed that the rain is now constant 
below the falls we see Indians every few miles who come off to 
trade what little articles they have sometimes with nothing to 
beg a chew of tobacco sometimes with a little wood for fuel 
sometimes with two 3, one or % a fish a few berrys our conductor 
appears to have a wife at each stopping place 4 already and 
how manv more sable beauties god only knows these Indians 
are tolerably honest but will steal a little. 

24th vStarted about 9 and after about [6 miles]- passed the 
grand falls of the Columbia just above which a small river puts 
into the Columbia about the size of the small rivers above the 
Wallah [Wallah] for instance these falls now the water is low are 
about 25 feet when the water is high these falls are covered the 
water not having a sufficient vent below the water here rises 
about 40 feet just before arriving at the falls are considerable 
rapids the falls are easily passed in boats at high water we 
hired the Indians about 50 for a quid of tobacco each to carry our 
l)oat about i mile round the falls the goods we carried ourselves 
shortlv after passing the falls we passed what are called the 
dalles (small) or where the river is dam[m]ed up between banks 
steep and high of not more than 100 feet apart through which 
the whole waters of the mighty Columbia are forced with much 
noise and uproar I passed through v^'ith some Indians while my 
men went round they not being good bo.itmen enough to trust 

-So written hut crossed cnit. 



232] WYETH'vS FIRST EXPEDITION. 175 

and fright[en]ed withall. We are now camped at the Great Dalles 
which are still narrower and more formidable than the small 
having stopLpJed after making 20 miles the wind being high and 
unfavorable for passing at the gorge of this pass the water 
rises[?] by the mark on the rock at least 50 feet forming a com- 
plete lock to the falls above the back water covering them en- 
tirel^^ The Indians are thieves but not dangerous before us 
and apparently in the river rises the most formidable mountain 
we have seen the country ahead is clothed with forest to the 
river side which has not been the case before and the western 
horizon is covered by a dense cloud denoting the region of con- 
stant rain during the winter. 

25th Made this, day 6 miles and passed the great dalles similar 
to the small ones which we passed yesterday but still narrower 
being 75 feet about in width through this pass we went with an 
unloaded boat at an immense speed the goods and Baggage were 
carried past on the backs of my men and some Indians hired for 
that purpose my men not being good boatmen and timorous I 
hired Indians to work ours through going with them myself to 
learn the way during part of this day we had a fair wind the 
river still W. b}'' S. here we saw plenty of gre^- headed seals we 
bought some bear meat from the Indians which we found very 
fane. We encamped for the first time on the river among timber 
among which I saw a kind of oak and ash. Indians Plenty one 
chief at whose lodge we stopped a short time gave me some 
molasses obtained from [the] fort below to eat He had a large 
stock of dried fish for the winter 4 tons I should think roots &c 
he was dressed in the English stile Blue frock coat pants. & vest 
comported himself with much dignity enquired my name particu- 
ularly and repeated it over many times to impress it on his mem- 
ory his sister w^as the squaw of an American of the name of 
Bache who established a post on the river below the great dalles three 
years ago last fall and who was drowned in them with 1 1 others the 
following spring the remains of the fort I saw as also the grave of the 
woman who died this fall and was buried in great state with 
sundry articles such as capeau vest pantaloons shirts &c. A 
pole with a knob at the top is erected over her remains at the 
foot of the Dalles is an island called the Isle of the Dead on which 
there are manj^ sepulchers these Indians usually inter their dead 
on the Islands in the most romantic scituations where the souls of 
the dead can feast themselves with the roar of the mighty and 
eternal waters which in life time af[fJorded them sustenance 
and will to all eternity to their posterity. 

26 After 30 miles of beautiful navigation with little current 
and fair strong wind and no rapids we arrived at the Cascade or 
lower obstruction of the river here it is necessary to carr}^ the 
boat and the Indians are all dead only two women are left a sad 
remnant of a large number their houses stripped to their frames 



176 JOrRNAL: [233 

are in view and their half buried dead this portage will be a hard 
job during this day I went ashore to a small lake near the river 
I killed at one discharge of my double barrelled gun 5 '•' of them 
which gave 5 of us a hearty supper no rain as 5'^et but constant 
appearance of it ahead at these rapids are a great man^- seal it 
is a mystery to me how they assend them. The direction of the 
river is here about W by S. and a little snow on some of the highest of 
the hills this day we passed the high mountain covered wdth snow 
her[e]tofore mentioned it is on the left of the river and is a more 
stupendous pile than any of the Rocky Mts. iVlways covered 
with snow and is called the SnowA' mountain. 

27th in the morning commenced carrying the boat and goods 
which we finished at i ock. and making 9 miles in all stopped to 
repair the boat which was leaky from damage sustained in carry- 
ing rained all this day and saw^ but two[?] Indians. 

28th With a fair wind and a little rain we decended the river 
at a great rate on the route we killed a goose which dropped in 
the water a white headed Eagle from a distance seeing this took 
occasion to come he seized it and lifted it into the air a few feet 
but our near approach fright[en]ed him away made this day 26 
miles and stopped at a saw mill belonging to the H. B. Co. under 
charge of a Mr. Cawning[?] a gentleman who came here 22 
years since with a Mr Hunt he is in the service of the Co. We 
were treated by him with the greatest kindness he gave us moc- 
[cjasins and food in plenty. 

29th Started at 10 ock and arrived at the fort of Vancouver 
at 12, 4 miles Here I was received with the utmost kindness and 
Hospitality by Doct. McLauchland [McLoughlin] the acting Gov. 
of the place Mr McT3onald Mr Allen and Mr Mcka}' gentlemen resi- 
dent here Our people were supplied with food and shelter from 
the rain which is constant they raise at this fort 6000 bush, of 
wheat 3 of Barley 1500 potatoes 3000 peas a large quantity of 
punkins they have coming on apple trees, peach Do. and 
grapes. Sheep, Hogs, Horses, Cows, 600 goats, grist 2, saw mill 
2. 24 lb guns powder magazine of stone the fort is of wood 
and square they are building a Sch. of 70 Tons there are about 
8 settlers on the Multnomah they are the old engages of the Co. 
who have done trapping. I find Doct. McDauchland a fine old 
gentleman truly philanthropic in liis Ideas he is doing much 
good by introducing fruits into this countr)' which will much 
facilitate the progress of its settlement (Indian corn 3000 bush) 
The gentlemen of this Co. do much credit to their country and 
concern b}' their education deportment and talents. I find my- 
self involved in much difficulty on ace. of my men som2 of whom 
wish to leave me and whom the Co. do not wish to engage no[r] to 
have them in the country without ])eing attached to some Co. 

''•'A word is omitted from tlie ioiiriial. 



234] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 177 

able to protect them alledging that if aiij- of them are killed, they 
will be obliged to aveng[e] it at an expense of money and ami- 
cable relations with the Indians. And it is disagreeable for me to 
have men who wish to leave me. The Co. seem disposed to 
render me all the assistance they can the}' live well at these 
posts they have 200 acres of land under cultivation the land is of 
the finest quality. 

30th to 5th. Nov remained at Vancouver and except the last 
day rain. 

6th started down the river to look with a view to the Salmon 
buisness we decended the river at about 4 mils per hour and ac- 
complished the journe}" in parts of 4 da3's the river is full of 
islands but they are all too low for cultivation being occasionally 
overflowed as also the praries (what few there are) on the main 
land with the exception of these small levells the country is so 
■ rough that a great part of the earth must be inhabited before this 
but the soil is good and the timber is heavy and thick and almost 
impenetrable from underbrush and fallen trees the description 
of Mess. Lewis & Clark and others is fully borne out as to size 
and more also the river is so well known at this part of it that I 
will not insert any observations of my own there are a great 
number of fowl on this river at this time and there will be more 
as they say soon there are large swan white ge[e]se a goose 
with a motled breast and yellow bill a trifle smaller 
than the goose of N. E. A white goose almost exactly like the 
domestic goose of N. E. yellow feet and legs as also the former 
there is another goose like that of N. E. but I think smaller there 
is the tame duck of N. E. with 19 tail feathers and a fine duck to 
eat there is the grey duck of N. E. green winged teel Buffle 
heads Cape Races Dippers of the Sea loons seal deer I killed 
one'swimming the river I saw no elk but only tracks fort 
George now occupied as a trading post b}'- the H. B. Co. is well 
scituated on a sloping bank of the river about 2 miles outside of 
Tongue point and 6 miles inside of Clatsop point Chinnook point 
is opposite the latter and inside Chinnook is a river of small size 
is also inside Tongue point above Tongue point about 6 miles 
are the Cathlametts they are an archipelago of reedy Islands 
overflown at high water Here are ducks innumerable, the 
Indians in this part of the river are of late much reduced they 
appear good and hosptable as far as an Indian ever is that is they 
are willing to sell provisions for all they can get for them they 
appear to live well and I believe any one may with plenty of 
powder and lead on this river either as a purchase or to shoot 
there are no beaver here We arrived at the Fort of V. on the 15- 
th Nov having had no rain during this time. I must here men- 
tion the very kind gentlemanly conduct of Mr. Jas. Bernie 
suprintendent of Ft. G. who assisted me to a boat and pilot for 
the outer harbor and acted the part of host to perfection I had 



178 JOrRXAL: [235 

much pleasure with a little liquor and a pipe in his company he 
has seen much of this country and is of the old N. W. concern I 
derived much information from him on my return to the fort my 
men came forward and unanimously desired to be released from 
their engagement with a view of returning home as soon as pos- 
sible and for that end to remain here and workforamaint[en]ance 
until an opportunity should occur, I could not refuse they had 
already suffered much and our number was so small that the 
prospect of remuneration to them was very small I have there- 
fore now no men these last were Mr. Ball Woodman Sinclair, 
Breck, Abbot, Tibbits the}' were good men and persevered as 
long as perseverance would do good I am now afloat on the great 
sea of life without stay or support but in good hands i. e. myself 
and providence and a few of the H. B. Co. who are perfect gentle- 
men During my absence Guy Trumbul died on the 7th of Nov. 
of the Cholic an attack of which he had on the Platte of which 
he nearly died in this case he was taken in the evening and 
died earh' in the mng. His funeral was attended by all the 
Gentlemen at the place and pra^'ers were said accord[ing] to the 
form of the Church of England for this attention to my 
affairs in my absense was considerate to my feelings and 
I hope will be duly appreciated service is here perform- 
ed on Sunday and on the days prescril)ed by the church 
of ling, our excursion down the river was performed in 
an Indian canoe which we hired for a 3 ]/z point Blankett[?] 
We found it very kittish but withall a good craft for sailing 
and easy to paddle but the men were exceedingly awkAvard. 

igth From this to the 29th I remained at Fort Vancouver eat- 
ing and drinking the good things to be had there and enjoying 
much the gentlemanly^ societ}^ of the place. 

On the 29th. with Abbot and Woodman in an Indian canoe I 
started for a journey up the Wallamet or Multonomah River this 
river which is highest in the winter was so at this time but is not 
rapid until near the falls the subjoined scetch will shew its 
course as I made it distance by the river by my estimate i~ Yi 
miles to the falls which are perpendicular about 20 feet past 
these we carried our canoe about % mile and launched above the 
falls the water though generally more rapid above would admit 
of the ruiniing of a steam boat. In this river at this time there is 
more water than in the ]vIissouri and not of a more difficult 
character to navigate the tide flov^s to within 8 miles of the falls 
below the fall the banks of the river are not suitable for cultiva- 
tion being overflowed as far as the bottom extends which is not 
far and beyond these the country rises into rocky hills unfit for 
tillage but producing very large timber mostly if not all of the 
pines On the bottoms there is consid[e]rable oak of a kind not 
found in the vStatcs lint of excellent quality for ship l^uilding and is 



236] WYETH'S FIRvST EXPEDITION. 179 

the only kind of oak found in the country of the Columbia I 
noticed but two streams coming into the river below the falls 
the river to within 6 mils of its junction with the Columbia runs 
along the N. E. side of a range of hills or as the}' would be called 
in N. E. mountains at the falls it passes through this range 
this river has two mouths the East one is the one I assended the 
west one follows the range of hills above described to their falling 
on the Columbia about 3 miles below the eastern entrance [of] 
the mouth of this river is in Latt 45 deg. 36 min. 51 sec. Long. 
122 deg. 48 min. Above the falls for 22 mils by estimate the 
banks of the river are high enough to prevent [overjflowing but 
timbered and not fertile and rough and the country apparently' 
not valuable except for timber which is here mostly of the pines 
except a small quantity of cotton wood and alder the latter is 
here a tree of sometimes a foot and an half through at the falls 
the H. B. Co. are erecting a saw mill to which the}' contemplate 
adding a grist mill the scituation for mill priviledges is beyond 
any thing I have ever seen 22 mils from the falls are 3 or 4 
Canadians settled as farmers the}' have now been there one year 
have Hogs, Horses, Cows, have built barns, Houses, and raised 
wheat, barely, potatoes, turnips, cab[b]ages, corn, punkins, mellons 
The country here becomes open, but still wood enough and a 
much greater proportion of oak prairies of from i to 30 miles in 
extent bound by a skirting of timber this country seems a 
valley between the mountains to the East and West of about 50 
miles wide including both sides of the river and is very level of 
nearly uniform soil extremely rich equal to the best of the 
Missouri lands. Accounts vary much as to its southerly extent 
I have seen it at least 75 mils in a southwardly direction and 
from all I can learn I think it extends with but little inter[r]uption 
as far south as the vall[e]y of the Buneventura which is also of 
the same description of country, and I have never seen country of 
equal beauty except the Kanzas country and I doubt not will one 
day sustain a large population 10 mils by land above the first 
settlement and 30 by the river is another by a Mr Jervie which 
Vi'as a very fine beginning of one years standing of the same 
character and product as the one below in all about 9 settlers 
are on this river if this country is ever colonised this is the point 
to commence the river is navigable for canoes to its very sources 
but as I understand very circuitous deer abounds in this district 
and wolves one of which a large devil I shot these settlers I 
found exceeding attentive to my comforts especially Mr Jervai 
at whose house I slept 2 nights I was absent from the fort this 
time 10 days. 

To the 4th Jany. the weather was little better than a contin- 
u.al rain not however a hard rain often but a drizzling uncomfort- 
able air during December there fell 9)4 inches rain by a pluvi- 
ometer on the 4th the wind came strong to N. N. E. with fair 



iSo JOURXAL: [237 

and cool weather Tlier. averaging about 19 Deg. this continued 
to the 8th when there is much floating ice in the river and those 
here think that w^ith two days more of this weather the river will 
close. The readiness w[it]h which the river fre[e]zes must arise 
from the water getting intensely cold in the upper countr3\ Du- 
ring this month Mr. McKay gave our room a treat of Buffaloe 
meat salted and smoked and this being the first opportunity of 
comparing good Buffaloe meat with other good meat was highh' 
acceptable. I think it equal to the best meat ever eaten. Up to 
the 4th there was no frost in the ground and ploughing is com- 
monly done all the winter during the latter part of January the 
River rose about 4 feet which must have arisen from the rains as 
there could be no melting of snow on the Mountains at this seas- 
on these rains must have I think extended farther back than is 
described to be their range viz the falls at which the timbered 
countr}' terminates. Carrots are here finer and larger than I have 
ever before seen one I think was 3 inches through and of fine 
flavor. There appears much sickness amon[g] the people here es- 
pecially among the common people which I think arises from low 
diet and moist weather for as far as I can observe the gentlemen 
who live w^ell are not much subject to disorders, the main dis- 
order is an intearmittent fever which has carried off"all or nearly all 
the Indians who live even worse than the engages. The Lima which 
sailed a month since had not to the ist Jany. got out of the river. 
I have been Informed b}- Mr Douglas and Mr. Finlesson that ves- 
sells have laid off the bar 7 weeks before they could enter. 

nth Jany. The River closed with ice and I am detained here 
until it opens. Last winter the river remained frozen 5 wrecks 
there is yet no snow. Toda}- heard by Mr Hermatinger of the 
death of Mr Vande[r]burg killed by the Blackfeet up to this time 
the weather continued clear and cold for this country the Ther. 
varying from 12 deg. to 20 deg. 

On the iSth at 2 oclock it commenced hailing and at day light 
the hail was about 2 inches on the ground the River closed 
on the loth and so remains at present on the 14th I walked 
across the Columbia and found the ice about 6 inches thick where 
it lay smooth l->ut it was much turned up edge wise afternoon of 
the 1 8th commenced Raining and on the 19th rains still the hail 
was at one time from ij/^ to 2 inches deep on the i8th. 

19th after raining hard all night there is no snow left it is 
warm and showery to day Ther. 54 deg. 

20th Raining stil[l] and Ther. 52 deg. River not yet cleared 
ice stationary. 

2ist 22nd warm and Rainy. 

23rd The river Broke up still warm Ther. 51 deg. I am 
informed by Mr Dav. Douglas that a Mr Woodard whom he 
saw in Calafornia was intending to come to the Columbia for Sal- 
mon he is a Brother-in-law to Capt. Kbbets and is from New 



23S] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. iSr 

York Mr. Douglass saw him in Calafornia in July 1832. I am 
informed b3' Doct J. McGlaucland that he has seen strawberr5's ripe 
here in Dec. and in blossom in Jany. the weather warm up to 
the 28th with occasional rains there is now little ice on the river 
on the banks the wreck and rubbish of the breaking up of the 
river. The H. B. Co. are now making a fort at Nass. to counter- 
act the Am. vessells on the coast. 

28th Warm still and fair the Co. are about sending a party 
under Mr. Manson to make a fort at Milbank Sound. 

30th Today a party sent to enquire after another reported to 
be cut off beyond the Umquoi or near the Clammat River 
under a man by the name of Michelle returned having as- 
certained that one white and two Inds. only of said partv had 
been killed this party I [am informed] was under a man by the name 
ofDuportt I requested to accompany him but the Gov. would not 
consent alledging the^y] would conceive that I came to avenge 
the death of Mr. Smiths party who was cut off by the Umquoi 
Indians, all which I interpreted into a jealousy of my motives 
this part}^ brought back 200 skins which they had traded they 
did not go be^^ond the Umquoi, they were gone 2 months lost no 
men and but 2 horses which Died of fatigue. 

31st to the 3rd. Feb. we had warm and wet weather on the 
3rd at 10 ock. we started for Wallah \\'alla I had with me two 
men and am in compan^^ with Mr Ermatinger of the H. B. Co. 
who has in charge 3 boats with 120 pieces of goods and 21 men. 
I parted with feelings of sorrow from the gentlemen of Fort Van- 
couver their unremitted kindness to me while there much en- 
deared them to me more so than it would seem possible during 
so short a time Doct McGlaucland the Gov. of the place is a 
man distinguished as much for his kindness and humanity as his 
good sense and information and to whom I am so much indebted 
as that he will never be forgotten by me this da^^ we came to 
the Prarie Du LiLs] 15 miles raining most of the day, 

4th Left the prairie Du Di[sJ on the lower end of it this prairie 
is about 3 miles long and through it the River Du Li[s] a small 
creek enters the Columbia we made but 2 miles when one of our 
boats ran foul of a rock atid was stove it landed its cargo without 
v.-etting much this accident detained us till }{ before 12 ock 
when we started and kept on till 2 ock and stopped 20 minutes to 
dine then kept on till Vo. past 5 ock making 17 mils this day 
this River is at medium water the rivers banks high precipitous 
and rocky from the Lea prairie in one place the bank on the N. 
side rises to 200 feet perpendicular I saw a hawk light on a pro- 
jecting crag about half way up which gave me a good idea of the 
height of the rock from this rock a small stream casts itself into 
the Com. w[h]ether a permanent one or not cannot say but should 
think not there are here many white headed Eagles one skunk 
we saw toda3' the timber appears much smaller than below no 



i82 JOrRXAL: [239 

rain but cloudy this day wind west and Ther. about 40 deg. 
now at 8 ock at night the full moon is looking down calrah' up- 
on usap[p]arently thinking that thecaresof us humble hidividuals 
concern her little. 

5th We left camp at 7 ock and made 4 miles to breakfast and 
in 7 mils more the foot of the Cascades our breakfast was made 
on a small island abreast of a rock rising perpendicular from " the 
bed of the river as I should think 400 feet high Lewis & Clark 
call it I think 700 feet this rock is nearly surrounded by the 
waters of the river 

The Cascades occasion a portage of 100 rods our goods were 
carried across this day the river is here compressed into a very 
small place and the bed is full of rocks I should think the fall 
to be about 8 feet in the space of the 60 rods There are here two 
fishing villages both now deserted as the people here say from 
the inmates being all dead of the fever but I suspect some are 
dead and the rest and much larger part fright [en]ed away we 
made the portage b}^ the North side on which is one of the above 
villages it is near the river on a little clear spot with a little lake 
in the rear here the Inds were once hostile and great caution was 
once used in passing now but little is requisite it rained all the 
latter part of the day and night and morning of the 6th finished 
the portage but our boats were so bruised that the rest of the day 
was taken to gum them took a look about me the rest of the 
day found that the tripe de roche grew on the rocks here 
but small here there are many petrifactions of wood in a bank of 
gravell some of which are perfectl}' petrified and will not burn in 
the fire but others appear only half so and burn and cut freely 
they are found bedded in stone composed of rubble of some 
former world the gravel is cemented together by finer gravell 
the whole being volcanic and water worn. 

7th At V y^ mile above the Cascade is a small river from the 
N. and 4 ^z above this a creek from the N. rained all the 6th 
and rains a little today came in all 27 miles passed many 
Indian habitations on the river and canoes 15 mils above the 
Cascades is a Torrent that precipitates itself into the river from 
about 60 feet 17 mils from same on same side viz south is a 
creek both small one between them on the X. side tim- 
ber growing gradually thitnier. 

8th We found that a Capeau and 2 blanketts had been stolen 
by some Inds. from one of our men and went to the village 
just below our camp to recover them they acknowledged the 
theft but the thieves had run off we took two canoes to our camp 
and breakfasted immediately after breakfast the man who had 
lost the articles took an ax and broke the worst canoe for which 
he was reprimanded by ViX Ermatinger the other he left and a 
little after we left I saw the Ind. come and take it we made 29 
mils to the Dalles whicli are one mile or thereal)outs long and en- 



24o] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 183 

camped having passed two of the boats the other owing to 
some mistake had she[e]red out and forced the line from those who 
were towing and forced one Indian into the stream and was 
drowned he was on a bank about 15 feet high he swam until 
he got into a whirl pool and went down. Just below the Dalles 
the timber ceases there are here manj^ Indians Tilky & 
Casineau are here the chiefs and ver}' clever ones all this day we 
saw Indians on the banks the water passes even now at a furious 
rate and at high water it is impassible and boats are carried as 
much as two mils and all the goods for assisting through this 
place a little tobacco is given the Inds. we gave the usual 
quantity and saw a personal struggle for the division of it. 

9th Left the Great Dall[e]s and in three miles came to the lit- 
tle dalles which we passed by towing in which we were delayed 
by reason of having only two lines one having been lost at the 
time the Indian was drowned in three miles more I arrived at 
the Shutes or falls of the Columbia which are not in this stage of 
the water more than ten feet perpendicular but much more than 
that includhig the rapids above and below in the immediate vi- 
cinity these falls once during the times the whites have been 
here have been sailed up owing as I suppose to the Dalles at such 
times affording a slow outlet to the accumulated waters and their 
being raised by this circumstance to above the level of the falls 
this day got our baggage and goods over at the G. Dalles I tra- 
ded one horse which I sent on b}^ Abbot at the Shutes we found 
about 150 to 200 Indians who were very troublesome [having] to 
pay for very trifling services however the}^ stole nothing. 

loth Passed over and gummed the boats and at Yz past 12 
started up the river having traded another horse and sent it on 
by Woodman one mile above the river Aux Rapide comes from 
the south the size of the stream I cannot tell as I only saw the 
mouth of it here on the N. side of the river Abbot came to me 
having lost the horse entrusted to him I took Mr. Woodmans 
and gave [left?] Abbot with orders to wait until 10 ock tomorrow 
and then to come on whether he got the horse or not we came 
today 9 miles and 6 yesterday here we have to give a piece of 
tobacco for every stick of wood we get last night was the first 
frost I have seen since the river broke the grass is somewhat 
green this part of the river affords trout in small quantit}'. 

nth Started at an early hour and made the mouth of a con- 
siderable stream coming from the S. called John Days River 
from a hunter of that name formerty in this country distant 
from our last camp 7^2 milles we camped 22 >^ miles from this 
on the North side of the river having had a strong and fair wind 
all day one thing I observed in this part of the River is that the 
savages are civil and as much as one in ten has lost an eye as I 
suppose from the effects of the fine sand of the river being blown 
about or the violent wind for which this part of the river is noted 



iS4 joi;rxal: [241 

we found some few roots and little game Vv'ith the natives the 
night was windy and uncomfortablLe] but no frost but a little rain 

12th At ^ past 6 we started and made 2 miles to breakfast 
on the N. side tair wind and clear one boat stove and must 
stop to repair and gum found two small logs of drift wood at 
10 ock. recommenced our journey with a fair light wind and 
made in all this da}' 17 miles during the day had the satisfac- 
tion of seeing Abbot come up but without finding the lost horse. 

r3th Calm in mug. but after breakfast had a fair and mid[d]ling 
strong wind at i ock passed the upper end of Grand Island an 
Indian to day brought me a pouch and horn stolen from one of 
my men going down but the balls and powder used up which I 
redeemed for a little tobacco last night a frost not severe 
made this day 25 miles found wood enough for use on the banks 
but it is a custom of the Indians to run along the beach and take 
possession of the wood there ma}' be and sell it [to] you for 
tobacco which appears to be their greatest luxury a quid is pa}- 
for almost an3-thing. 

14th We started at 6 ock and in one mile passed the River 
Ottillah one mile above which rapids commence the[se] we 
passed one mile long making 3 to breakfast and started at ^2 
past 10 with a fair and strong wind and reached Wallah Walla 
at 5 p. m. just beforCel reaching this place the cut rocks close into 
the river in such a manner that there appears but a small per- 
pendicular sided gap to look through past these and at W. W. 
both bank[s] fall down to a nearly levell plain we were again 
hospitably received by Mr. P. C. Pambrun we remained at this 
post until the 19th. of Feb. the weather mild and clear but high 
S. W. winds W. W. is a place noted for high winds a little 
frost during the nights only gras[s]just getting green My horses 
in tolerable good order and all found eat horse meat all the time 
at this post On Sunday took a ride up the river W. W. found its 
bottoms good but not extensive and no wood the corn for this 
post 150 bushells last year was raised at least 3 miles from the fort 
none was stolen b}' the Indians a good test of their honesty as 
they are all most always starving. This place is kept by about 
5 men Inds. are freely admitted inside of it about 1200 skins 
traded here it is kept up mostly for trading horses and the 
saf[e]ty of the communication the course of the Wallah [Wallah] 
river is E. by X. near the fort when I saw it. 

TQth Just as we were leaving the fort an Indian l:)rought in 
the horse which Abbot lost at the Dalles and a short time after 
leaving the tort an Indian sent by Mr. P. brought one other 
which had strayed from Abl)ot at this place we made this day 17 
miles to a branch of the Wallah [Wallah] river here coming from the 
N. the space nearly a plain and barren and sandy but good grass 
this branch appears to be about half the Wallah [Wallah] river 
encamped a little after sundown and for 12 yards blue clths. i Hlkt. 



242] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 185 

2/^ pt 50 balls & powder 2 knives i lb. Tobacco bunch beads, 
10 fish Hooks traded a good horse this appears a fair price here. 

20th We made a late start and after travelling 9 hours without 
water arrived at the Snake river here running W. our course 
was this day N. by E. 22 y^ miles over a country which would 
be considered light sandy land with little sage grass good and in 
tufts very level except some trifling roundly swelling hills these 
make one think of gently swelling breasts of the ladies. Day warm 
and clear We in the first of the day followed the branch of the 
W. W. mentioned yesterda3' say four miles on which I saw 
blackbirds which Mr. Pambrun says stay at W. W. all winter. 

2 1 St No frost in morning. Crossed the river to the mouth of 
a creek coming into the river from the N. for 10 miles which was the 
length of our march this day this creek is through cut rocks of 
moderate height for this country. We followed the stream on 
the east bank. These banks were about 300 feet high 
to the levell of the plain if that can be called a plain 
where the hills rise to an almost equal height and the 
gullies are abrupt and narrow. The soil was what 
would be called in N. E. a poor sandy soil producing good grass 
but still no wood Traded two horses this day at the usual rates 
The people who are most used to this country are so little afraid 
of the Indians that they either travel without guns or with them 
unloaded. 

22nd A pretty hard frost in the morning followed the river 
one mile on the North side then crossed it and made North 3 miles 
and crossed a branch of it coming from the N. W. Our course 
this day N. by E. and encamped at a little run of water running S. 
E. This is inconsiderable Saw about 20 antelope this day in 
one herd at our camp this nigh[t] observed about 2 inches of frost 
in the ground this da5^s ride over very rocky country the val- 
leys of which are very good but small otherwise more sandy than 
common grass good Made 22 Yi miles 

23d N. 17 miles over a rough and Rock}^ country with a few 
small bottoms which are good land at 9 miles from last camp 
passed some of the best specimens of Basaltic colum[n]s which I 
have seen They were 5 sided and about 50 feet high some 
standing independent others tumbled down to the foot of the wall 
like demolished Towers This days march [passed] many small 
lakes whether formed by the snow or not I can not say but I 
think some of them are permanent none larger than a few acres 
Camped at a stream coming from the N. and were visited by three 
Indians who report the road to Colville impassable for snow a 
hard frost last night and frost in the ground beside the lakes 
mostly frozen over but not thick these made me think of the old 
buisness of my life. 

24th 20 miles N. through timber in the first of which we en- 
camped last night the stream which we camped on here forks 



i86 JOURNAL: [243 

no game except two small prairie hens passed man}' little lakes 
one of which is as large Fresh Pond and one nearly so the rest 
smaller Patches of snow and one third of the trees prostrated 
last year by southerly gale their trunks much obstructed the 
path before us on the right are snow covered and moderately 
high Mts. found good wood at our camp by the light of which I 
now write the scene reminds me of my Ice men at work by 
torch light not frost enough in the ground to prevent driving 
tent stakes the little [rain] and snow made streams [which are] 
run[ning] Southerly 

25th in a N. direction 15 miles to vSpokan River a stream 
now about half as large as the Snake River it is now high from 
the melting of the snow its sources are not distant and in a range 
of Mts. in sight this Range runs about N. \V. which is here the 
general course of the stream but how far I cannot say as it is 
visible but a short distance at this place are the remains of the 
old Spokan House one Bastion of which only is now standing 
which is left by the Indians from respect to the dead one clerk 
of the Co. being buried in it the banks of this river are here rocky 
and precipitous I observed among the rocks of its bed Granite 
Green Stone Quartz sandstone Lava or Basalt the country 
on approaching this river from the South resembles the pine plains 
of N. Hampshire near Concord we passed the divide between 
the waters of this and the last river about 5 mils from our last 
nights Camp striking then after passing the isolated wood in 
which we had camped and a large plain devoid of wood a deep 
valley running N. Crossed the most of our baggage today 

26th Arrived[?] After perusing the enclosed loose papers I 
proceed* 

27th Marcht due N. E. by N 24 miles we made this day 
This line cuts the Spokan river This point we turned but I 
call the course direct for convenience this course is through a 
tolerable fertile prairie the grass good and flowers plenty on 
the W. side are low range of rocky hills which are granite and a 
better development of the broken rock named yesterday I 
find it to be volcanic by its being [a .word omitted] 
blending with porous rock on our left and about half 
way of the days march passed a mile distant a little 



*The loose papers referred to were prolmbly pinned to the preceding 
leaf of the journal, but have been lost. They no doubt were the journal 
notes made by Mr. Wyeth while taking a trip from the "Spokan House" 
to Fort Colviile and Ijack. 

That Mr. Wyeth took such a trip is evident from the fact that one of the 
letters bearing" the date of March 12th 1833 was written from Fort Colviile. 
The journal of March 28th refers to such a trip and the return to the "Spo- 
kan house". 

fTlie word "March" is to be read as part of the date. The trip referred 
to above seems to have consumed exactly a calendar month. 



244] WYETH'vS FIRST EXPEDITION. 187 

lake Yz mile across to the E. by N. of this is a lake 3 
miles across from which the Spokan flows neither of these I 
have seen but take this from hearsay arrived at our camp and 
all well and in better order I have forgot to mention that the 
stream that comes into the Spokane near the House brings down 
peb[b]les of volcanic rock also that the streams near our present 
camp come from the hills enter the prairie of the Spokan River 
and disappear in the ground. 

28 Made 18 miles N. through a level and wooded country and 
camped with only snow water and poor grass the rocks seen to 
day are holders of granite and observed that the compass in one 
place would not Traverse this happened while going to Colville 
from Spokan and coming from there back also observed Today 
and yesterday the effects of some former gale in prostrated trees 
direction here S. W. 

29 horses missing in mng. and not found till noon went 
N. 9 miles and struck Flat Head River compass again refused to 
traverse through deep snow today and yesterday and thick 
young trees and fallen timber observed here the white pine and 
Hemlock snow and rain all 5^esterda3' found our people at the 
river with the boats. 

30th Remained at the same place crossed the river I here 
saw an Indian who was entirely blind he seemed to be taken 
good care of by his relatives made him a small present for 
w^hich he thanked me parted company with Mr Ermatinger he 
to go on wnth the goods by water myself with horses by land 
last night the coldest for some time today warm and pleasant 

31st Moved early N. 7 miles passing a point and two little 
streams Excessively bad going in crossing the point from snow 
and brush E. two mils along the river N. N. E. 5 miles to 
the Lake then a line to our camp cutting the lake 5 mils more 
N. N. E. This lake is about three miles broad and indeed the 
river so far resembles a long lake little or no current and ^ miles 
wide plenty of pa[r]t ridges, ge[e]se, and Duck and some deer meat of 
the Indians all clay country mountainous one Horse gave out 
and left him a good lo[d]ge made of Branches of Pine had 
almost made me forget that it had snowed and rained all day 
ourselves and goods were wet through we had no human com- 
fort except meat enough to eat and good. 

ist April E. 2, N 3, E by S. 3, and found that from this spot 
the place where I entered on the lake [it?] bore S. W. N. by E. 2, 
E. by S. 5 N. 3 and made the traverse of a large peninsular at one 
mil[e] E. by N. struck the head of a creek which after 3 miles 
more led us back to the Lake at the entrance into it of the River 
Fete Plate. This Lake is a large and fine sheet of water it appears 
of a good depth There looks as if a large river entered on the 
S. side at the east end it is widest and there are two Islands it 
is surrounded by loft^' and now snowy Mts. but their summits are 



i88 JOURNAL: [245 

timbered yesterday saw nothingbut Granite today saw Slate and 
Sandstone not the least volcanic appearance in this part of the 
Countr3\ 

2nd Made E. S. E. 6 mils through a difficult swamp over a 
hill and to the main river again during which time we passed 
two small streams this swamp had the largest cedars apparently 
the same as those of the N. E. that I have ever seen I measured 
one at my height from the ground of 31 feet circumferance and I 
presume some w^ere larger no rocks to day but sandstone and 
slate camped on ace. of my horses having had no feed lately 

the slate is tortuitous and I think mica slate here my Indian 
brought me in some onions and two kinds of trout some of the 
trout I have bought of the Indians as large as 10 lbs. thej^ 
are plenty and taken with the hook there are plenty of ducks 
and ge[ejse the Ducks are the [same] as the tame ducks of 
N. E. 

3d 10 mils almost due E. cutting a mountain and through 
almostimpenetrablewo[o]d and deep snow much trouble and delay 
to keep the trail from the mountain 4 mils from last nights 
camp saw our last camp on this Lake which bore W. by N, to 
night we camped without grass but could not go further 
some of the horses strayed in the trail behind 

4th Started our Indian early to find the strayed horses and 
started camp ahead 9 mils E. following the river the whole way 
altho the trail cuts off the point and encamped where the trail 
again strikes the river at this place there is a considerable [creek] 
coming from the E. by N. into the river here for the first time 
since reaching Walla Walla I saw fresh Beaver sign the 
Indian has not yet come up with the horses and little feed 
for those we have with us to day saw a small sized Bear but 
he was off too soon for a shot 

5th 12 mils E. S. E. through deep snow and thick wood 
most of the way sometimes miry sometimes slippery with ice and 
always obstructed by the great quantity of fallen wood East, 
night late the Indian brought up all the lost horses 

6th 9 mils E. S. E. trail better slate rock onlj' Camped 
on the river last night in the mountains. Yesterday two horses 
gave out left a man to keep them and bring them up if possible 
to day one gave out which I will leave at this camp for same 
man 

7th Arrived at the Flathead post kept bj- Mr. Rivi and one 
man after a ride of 17 mils E. S. E. through thick wood not 
very good trail and a snow storm which loaded the pines in such 
a manner as to bend them down to the ground frequenth' load- 
ing me with the snow as passing I disturbed the branches trees 
loaded down in this way and frozen so as to be firm constitute much 
of the difficulty of the route from Flathead or Ponderay Lake to 
this place want of grass at this time of the year the residue with 



,2,46] WYETH'vS FIRST EXPEDITION. 189 

some mire rock mica slate this place is scituated on a fine prairie 
2 mils long i wide and seems pleasant after coming through 
thick woods and mountains counting my horses found 32 of 
47 with which I started but think I shall recover all but one 
left on the I^ake having sent men and Indians in search of them 
Mr E. came in the boats in 5 days I have now news by four 
Indians who came in on the 6th on foot the Nez Perces have lost 
all but 4 horses of their band of about 500 stolen by the Blackfeet 
The Flatheads expected in about 15 days on the nth start- 
ed out to see if there were many beaver in the countrj^ with 
intention of staying 12 days but was recalled by the arrival of the 
buffaloe Indians found few beaver and the country can only be 
trapped on foot plenty of pa[r]tridges to be found in thiscountr}^ 
arrived again at the post on tho 17th of April my route was 
back on the Flathead River. 

1 8th to 20th remained at the post having now found all my 
horses started camp 2 miles East up the river and to the upper 
end of the prairie on which the house is built at this place is a 
large creek coming from the N. 

2ith rained hard last night and from the 17th to this day have 
had one or more slight showers each day the plain is now good 
grass we are much an[n]o3^ed by the dogs of the Indian village 
which are numerous they eat all our cords and fur flesh they 
can get at in the night this is always a great trouble while travel- 
ling with Indians until you get to Buffaloe where they find bet- 
ter food for three nights no frost This valley is the most 
romantic place imaginable a level plain of two miles long by 
I wide on the N a range of rocky and snow clad Mts. on 
the S. the Flathead river a rapid current and plenty ot good fish- 
ing running at the immediate base of another lofty Snowy and 
Rocky range of Mts. Above and below the vall[e]y the mountains 
of each range close upon the river so as apparently to afford no 
outlet either way about 200 horses feeding on the green plain and 
perhaps 15 Indian Lodges and numerous barking dogs with now 
and then a half breed on horseback galloping gracefully with 
plent}^ of gingling bells attached to all parts of himself and horse 

it is really a scene for a poet nought but man is wanting to com- 
plete it 

22nd Moved 8 mils E. N., E. along the river at 6 miles 
passed a ver^^bad rock called le Roche Mauvais the mountains 
as yet closely follow the river on both sides but seem declining in 
height as we stopped early we spent the rest of the day in pre- 
paring to prevent the blaLcjk Foot from stealing our horses they 
have have never but once passed the bad rock and then the Flat- 
heads gave them such a beating as keeps [them] since in better 
order the[y] infest much the countrj^ we are now about entering 



I90 JOURNAL: [247 

23d Moved 8 mils E. N. E. to Horse plain thence N. E. 
5 mils cutting a hill and leaving the River which we had her[e]- 
tofore followed decending the Mts E. N. E. 6 mils to a large 
open vall[e]y in the hills with little timber and much grass op- 
posite to our Camp is a mountain where 200 Flatheads Conterays, 
Ponderays and other Inds. were killed by the Blackfoot Inds. 
During the first part of the last division of the days march passed 
a small lake with many waterfowl and one sand hill crane. We 
are now fairly in the dangerous Country through Horse plain 
and into the R Flathead is a small brook to day 2 Indians ar- 
r[i]ved from the main Flathead Camp at Porte D'enfer with news 
that the Blackfoot have made 2 h[a]vUs of horses from them the 
Flathead Camp consists of men of various tribes 

24 mooved E. by S. down the valley to Flathead river then 
4 miles E. following the river then Forded it and made 3 mils E. 
by N. and encamped on it at a place where last year a man by 
the name of La Couse was [killed] by the Blackfoot Inds. the 
river is not now high when so it is not fordable and is here 
a good sized stream the salts here whiten in the ground and the 
animals are almost crazy after it which makes them bad to drive 

the morning was sult[r]3' and I travelled without my coat but in 
the afternoon we had a fine [sjhower with some thunder of good 
quality the vallLely we left today abounds with the finest 
Kamas I have yet seen as provisions are scarce in camp the 
women dug much of it 

25th Mooved Camp up the main river 12 mils E Yi N. then up a 
large but fordable branch 3 mils E. by S. trail fine grass good 
weather beautiful no frost for three nights the Climate ap- 
pears much as at Baltimore at this season 

26th made E. along the creek last named 5 miles then crossed 
and followed it 4 mils S. E. then recrossed it and followed it E. 
S. E. 3 mils crossing a small branch then 2 mils recrossing 
the main creek again then followed i mile E S. E. and recross- 
ed it and followed a small branch of it S. E. i mile crossed the 
branch and followed it 2 mils S. E. to Camp clear except i 
shower but only comfortably warm Count[r]y hilly but open 

E. lay a heavy pile of snowy Mts. 5 rails distant ap[p]arently 
running N. & S. the rocks for a few days have been Sandstone 
mica slate this day saw a white bear which we surrounded to 
kill but he broke through and escaped earth in some places 
whitened with salt which makes the horses bad to drive horses 
getting fat grass good as also the bottom lands which are toler- 
ably extensive 

27th Remained at same camp snowed a little this day the 
Inds went hunting and got one Deer 

28th Abbot brought in one Beaver started Camp 2 milsS. E. 2 
S.S.E.2 S.4 S.by W. thus far through woods and a defile crossing the 
vide between the creek which we were on and another going to 



248] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 191 

that branch of th^ Flathead river to [which] we came this day. 
then into open plains snowy mts on each side 3 mils S. S. E. 
then 5 mils S E by E crossing two slews of the Flathead river 
and Camped on a third and larger one which we shall be obliged 
to raft over I judge it twice as large as the one we crossed 
some days since the river here runs S. W. a little snow today 
quarrelled and parted with my man Woodman he appeared to think 
that as I had but two he might take libertys under such circum- 
stances I will never yield an inch I paid him half as I conceive 
he had gone half the route with me here we met some Inds from 
the great Camp which they say is a moderate Camp distant 

29th Forgot to mention in proper place that I saw Plumb 
trees at the place we left W. branch of the Flathead 
river these are said to be good about [one] inch through ripe 
in Sept. and found nowhere else but at this place I tried hard to 
get some stones but could not Moved this day S. S. W. we 
crossed by fording contrary to expectation by loading high 
and taking high horses at 8 miles struck another branch of 
same river as large as those already passed at 4 miles further a 
creek from opposite side ford tolerably good at 20 miles 
came to main Camp of no Lodges Containing upward of 1000 
souls with all of which I had to shake hands the Custom in 
meeting these indians is for the Coming party to fire their arms 
then the other does the same then dismount and form single file 
both sides and passing each other shake hands with men women and 
children a tedious job bufifaloe have come here and even further 
but the)' are killed at once and do not get wonted herfe] the 
racine amani or Spetulum is found this Camp is on the river 
good grass river direct S. S. W. six nights since the Blackfoot 
stole horses from this Camp here I found thre[e] 
Canadians one of whom was one who came to us the night be- 
fore we were fired on on the heads of the Spanish River this 
days march between two parralled ranges of Mts now Snowy but 
I think not always so there is much kamas in this region we 
find little meat in the Indian Camp and are therefore much short- 
[e]ned for food 

30th went out to collect some flowers for friend Nuttall after- 
wards to see the Camp find 120 lodges of us today some having 
arrived they are collecting to go to the Bufifaloe in force to meet 
the Blackfeet looked at their games one is played by two men 
at a time a level place is made on the ground about 15 feet long 
by 3 feet wide with a small log of wood at each end to stop a 
small iron ring which one of them rools from one end of the 
all[e]3^ to the other both following it each having an arrow 
which they endeavor to throw after and under it so that when 
stopped it will rest on one of them the one on whose arrow it is 
wins at least this is all I understand of the game the game is 
kept by a third by means of placing sticks on one side or the 



192 JOURNAL: [249 

Other another feat much in practice from the smallest to the 
largest in Camp is two with some arrows throw them so as to 
go as near the first thrown as possible advancing continually untill 
all are expended then throwing them back again in same manner 
another game is two or more opposite the one side having some 
small article in their hand keep changing it from one hand to 
the other as swift as possible accompanied by a tune and motion 
of body and limbs except feet (for they sit all the time) the get 
is for the other party to designate the hand in which it rema[ijns 
at the last this is the most practised game and requires much 
dexterity on both sides it is kept with sticks as the first every 
morning some important indian addresses either heaven or his 
countr3'-men or both I believe exhorting the one to good conduct 
to each other and to the strangers among them and the other to 
bestow its blessings he finishes with "I am done["] the whole 
set up an exclamation in concord during the whole time 
Sunday there is more parade of pra^^er as above nothing is done Sun- 
day in the way of trade with these Indians nor in playing games 
and they seldom fish or kill game or raise camp v;hile prayers are be- 
ing said on week days ever3'one ceases whatever vocation he is about 
if on horseback he dismounts and holds his horse on the spot un- 
til all is done Theft is a thing almost unknown among them and 
is pttnished by flogging as I am told but have never known an in- 
stance of theft among them the least thing even to a bead or 
pin is brought yoti if found and things that we throw away this 
is sometimes troublesome I have never seen an Indian get in an- 
ger with each other or strangers. I think you would find among 
20 whites as many scoundrels as among 1000 of these Indians they 
have a mild playful laughing disposition and their qualities are 
strongh' portrayed in their countenances. They are polite and unob- 
trusive and however poor never beg except as pay for services and in 
this way they are moderate and faithful but not industrious, the}' 
a re ver^'- brave and fight the blackfeet who continually steal their 
horses and kill their straglers with great success beating hollow 
equal numbers They wear as little . clothing as the weather will 
permit sometimes nothing on excep[t] a little thing to cover the 
privates and sometimes but rare this is ommitted at pla}' but not 
when there are women and allwa^'s at a race the women are close- 
ly covered and chaste never cohabiting promisc[u]ously with the 
men the pox is not much and perhaps never known among them 
it dies here of itself when brought from the coast where it is rife 
the yottng women are good looking and with dress and cleanliness 
would be lovel}- today about 100 of them v.'ith their root diggers 
in their hands in single file went out to get roots they staid about 
two hours and returned in the same order each time passing the 
chiefs lodge it was evidently a ceremony b\it the import I could 
not learn in a lodge or other place when one speaks the rest pay 
strict attention When he is done another assents by "yes" or 



25o] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 193 

dissents b}' "no" and then states his reasons which are heard as 
attentively it is a practice when a woman has her courses to make 
a little lod'^e outside her husbands lodge and there remain until 
they are finished. The more peaceable dispositions of the Indians 
than the whites is plainly seen in the children I have never 
heard an angry word among them nor an}^ quarrelling altho there 
are here at least 500 of them together and at play the whole time 
at foot ball bandy and the like sports which give occasion to so 
man 3^ quarrells among white children 

May I St. Same camp the day reminds me of home and its 
customs it is a fine and almost summer day altho the nights 
have been frosty of late but the days are warm This morning 
the squaws left camp with their root diggers singing in good 
accord the tunes of their country YesterdCay] Mr. Ermatinger 
traded 29 beavers I find an Indian Camp a place of much 
novelty the Indians appear to enjo}^ their amusements with 
more zest than the whites altho they are simple they are great 
gamblers in proportion to their means bolder than the whites 

2nd Moved Camp 2 miles S. E. by E. 4 miles S by E. over a 
hilly but open country and diverging a little from the main river 
to the Eastward and Camped on a small river going to the same 
river the two parallel ranges of Mts. still continue on either side 
of the river It rained a little of the last night and some this morning 
the day is cloudy and moderately warm The absence of quarrells 
in an Indian Camp more and more surprises me when I come and 
see the various occasions which would give rise to them among 
the whites the crowding together of from 12 to 1800 horses 
which have to be driven into Camp at night to stake in mng, to 
load the starting of horses and turning of loads the seizing of 
fuel when scarce, often the case, the plays of men and Boys &c. 
At the Camp yesterday saw the bones of a buffalo bull not old 
being the first sign of buffaloe yet seen. 

3d. Same Camp. 

4th Same Camp To day heard a sound like a heavy piece of 
ordonance and I suppose arising from the fall of some mighty 
fragment of rock from the mountains The sound seemed to 
come from the N. I suppose the sound heard in the Snake coun- 
try arose from the same cause altho then no heavy mountains 
were in sight but there were cut rocks enough weather some- 
what smokey but warm and clear A party of hunters who pro- 
posed to go out for beaver deferred the thing on ace. of the water 
being too high to set a trap. A Thunder storm in the afternoon 
with high wind from the S. W. and Rain. 

5th. Sunday according to our reconing there is a new great 
man no[w] getting up in the Camp and like the restofthewLojrld 
[he] covers his designs under the great cloak religion his followers 
are now dancing to their own vocal music in the plain perhaps 
1-5 of the Camp follow him when he gets enough followers he 



194 JOURNAL: [251 

■will branch off and be an independent chief he is getting up 
some new form of religion among the Indians more simple than 
himself like others of his class he works with the fools women 
and children first while he is doing this the men of sense thinking 
it too foolish to do harm stand by and laugh but they will soon 
find that women fools and children form so large a majority that 
with a bad grace they will have to yield. These things make me 
think of the new lights and revivals of New England rains a lit- 
tle today 

6th. Bright and clear found all of my horses three of 
which had been missing Moved 4 mils S. and encamped on a 
creek of the main river about i Yz mils from the latter 

yth. Same Camp cloud)' all night and today but warm 

8th. Same Camp last night had a false alarm Some Inds. 
of the camp who were gambling for a gun discharged it before 
laying [it] on the stakes This though a common occurrence 
gave the horses a fright and one frightens another in those cases 
until all are alarmed the running of those that have got loose the 
snorting stamping and rearing of those who cannot when 
there are at least 1500 the Howling of dogs men running with 
guns the contrast of firelights with the darkness of the night 
make altogether a scene of confusion to be recollected This day 
hunters went out 2 only one returned stm two hours high with 
one antelope the other at night with 4 To day a small boy 
broke his arm but as I understood that the Indians reduce frac- 
tures well and as I am quite ignorant I did not meddle with it 

9th. Moved S. by E 6 mils and camped on the main river 
on the march saw two bla[c]kfeet who ran with all the speed of 
their horses to the mountains a little rain but warm high 
wind and somewhat dusty The rain does not seem to lay the 
dust in the least The country covered for the first time with 
sage and so far the same kind of minerals as near the Ponderay 
Lake This afternoon came to us a Snake a Nez Perce and 
a Flat head on foot they came from Salmon River and bring no 
news except that the Nez Perce Camp is at Salmon river and 
that they are mostly without horses 

loth Mooved 7 mils E. by E. [?] rained a little shower but 
clear in the afternoon. This moment Chief (luineo is saying the 
usual afternoon prayers I observe that he first makes a long one 
which is responded to by the usual note in accord then a short 
one followed by the same note on horse back the whole time 
walking about the Camp hat on in an audible voice and 
directed as though addressing the men below rather than "him" 
above To day 1 1 Flatheads started on foot to steal horses from 
the Black feet 

nth Started out early hunting for the first time this trip 
We are now short of provisions. The Camp moved 10 mils S. 
by Py. and camped on the river the wide bot[t]om of which is 



252] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 195 

done it is now jammed in between the hills during this dis- 
tance passed two small creeks big enough for beaver only saw 
four antelope killed nothing saw two olived green snakes about 
2 Yi feet long blunt tail but slender afternoon clear and warm 

1 2th Being Sunday remained at same Camp the hills here 
areof Granite with large bed of quartz. Mica slate is common 
Gneiss also in some places the same rock as at Kittle falls ob- 
served in one place a black mineral like that found at Franconis[?] 
covering iron ore it looks like horse hair in a mass combed 
straight the hills are now well covered with grass the river is 
now at its highest but is fordable this morning long prayers 
in form as usual at some lodges the Inds. are singing as an 
act of devotion 

13th Went out hunting killed one N. E. pa[r]tridge only 

saw 4 cubs 4 deer Camp moved 6 mils S. S. K. and 
camped on the W. side we approach the head of this river fast 

14th. remained at same Camp snow and sleet all day An 
Indian died in camp to day but I do not think the Camp was de- 
layed on that account it was a bad day which I think the reason 

his friends are now singing over him according to their custom 

15th Made 6 miles S. S.E. and crossed the river and camped on 
a little creek crossing two on the \V. side all too small at low 
water for beaver, snowed last night and until 8 this mng. altho 
as much as 4 inches of snow has fallen it is at 11 oclock all gone 
except the hills which are white grass good Granite country 
and fertile in the bottoms and and on the hills and mountain 
sides 

1 6th Made 9 mils S. E. following a creek of the main river 

about Yi the size of the same this we crossed 6 times during 
the day this morning 4 inches snow which fell during the night 
but all gone at 9 ock fair at 4 in afternoon this day finishes 
all our provisions in above distance river crooked , 

17th. 2 miles S. E. 3 E and cutting a high mountain i 
mile S by E. and struck the river again in a large and fertile 
plain here crossed the main branch of it and followed 2 miles a 
creek running S by E at the place where we left the river it 
receives a small creek from the S and where we struck it again 
another quite small from the N. The main branch appears to run 
about E. from the plain when arrived at C:imp finding no meat 
I took my traps out to catch beaver when returning saw 
the squaw bringing in moss and roots when I came in found the 
hunters had come in with one bear one Elk and several deer and 5 
beaver this makes a timely supply Indians are gone ahead to see 
the mountain is passiable This mountain divides us from the 
heads of the Missouri. 

I8th 2 miles up the creek S. by E. then assending the 
mountain S. E. 2 more then 2 S b}' E down the mountain 
and struck a little thread of water which during 28 mils 



196 JOURNAL: [253 

increased gradually to a little river and S. E. to another coming 
from the S. and both go off together N, this is one of the heads 
of the Missouri we crossed it and camped here we found both 
Bulls and cows which makes all merry this pass is good going 
when there is no snow now there was about one foot in places 
drifted more we took 8 hours to pass there is a visible change 
in the apppearance vegetation is not so forward the trees appear 
stinted and small the land poorer and covered with Sedge 

the other side there is little on the W. side all is 
granite as soon as I passed the divide I saw Pudding Stone we 
had showers of snow and rain this day but this I believe is con- 
stant in this region at this time of the year the Mt. is much 
higher [on] the W. than [on! the E. side This I observed also at the 
Trois Tetons The grass is poor and has started but little the 
prairie in some places has snow The vall[e]y runs N and S. and 
is bounded E. and W. by a range of Mts. this day my horse 
keeper left me taking an offence at some misinterpretation about 
a horse. The i6th. Woodman came to camp from his hunt for 
beaver tired and famished having eated nothing for three days 

19th Same Camp snowed by fits most of the day being 
Sunday the medicine chief had devotional exercises with his fol- 
lowers he formed them into a ring men women and children and 
after an address thej^ danced to a tune in dancing the[y] keep 
the feet in the same position the whole time mer[e]ly jumping up 
to the tune keeping the hands in front of them at intervals he 
addressed them at night Blackfeet were seen prowling about the 
camp at least so the Indians say erected myself a lodge for the 
first time in the country and paid a treat of rum &c to the whites 
in Camp and some of the principal Indians to wet the same as it 
is called. 

29th. Snowing hard in the morning one horse so lame that 
if we move Camp to day he will remain for the Blackfoot or 
wolves. Much the same. Started at half past 12 found 
the horse could be drove a little got him along about four miles 

shall return for him to morrow this day 9 miles E. S. E. over 
a level plain of rich deep soil wet and miry in the extreme saw 
our Indians running buffaloe ahead x^t 5 mils crossed a little 
brook running N by E and camped on a considerable creek run- 
ning N. by E. and all falling in to the same as the creek we left 

At about the junction it doubles round a point of mountains 
and apparently takes a north [?]eastwardly course rain snow and 
and sunshine as usual today. 4 hunters left us to da}' to hunt 
beaver in the Blackfoot country, Pellew, Charloi, Narbesse.Rivey. 

2ist. Same Camp sent liack and ])rought the latne horse into 
Camp Went out to the mountain to cut log poles found a 
Blackfoot lodge recently occupied snow as usual saw the Indians 



254] WYETH'vS FIRST EXPEDITION. 197 

cooking a root resembling the yellow dock, but not so yel- 
low tasted like parsnip raw, informed by them that it is bad 
before being cooked suppose it is more or less poisonous 

2 2d Same camp Blue Devils all Day Turned in 

23d 6 miles S. S. E. and up the valley 3 S E by S. 3 S. E. 
This valley is all good land about four miles wide and perhaps 50 
long and how much further it goes N. I cannot say. Went out 
to hunt bufFaloe killed one Elk out of a large band mountains 
with snow each side of valley snowed a little as usual 

24th A double portion of the usual weather viz. rain Hail 
snow wdnd rain and Thunder into the bargain we are so near 
where they make weather that they send it as if cost nothing 
Course S. E. 6 miles up the creek then bj'- N, E. 3 cutting a 
height of land but low and perfectly good going to the head of an- 
other river running S. E. down this two miles and camped 
hunted today killed one cow saw some hundreds 

25th. Followed the creek 5 miles S. S. E. then it turned 
round a point more eastwardly We continued same course 4 
mils and struck a creek going into the same about 2 
mils below the point spoken of rain snow & Hail today with 
sunshine grass better to day had a long ride before sunrise after 
the lame horse which I brought to Camp. 

26th Same Camp A blackfoot Trail discovered in our vicini- 
ty a numerous camp of them better weather than usual today Sun- 
day according to our reconing. At night one of two Indians who 
started on an express to the Nez Perces Camp returned wdth 
three blankets one white shirt and [some] tobacco and powder 
which articles they found buried with a Blackfoot Indian who 
was unscalped two bullets through his head and one through 
his body We apprehend that there has been a battle between the 
Blackfoot Indians and perhaps the whites. 

27th 17 mils S. crossing two small forks of the Missouri and 
camping on the third of small size near Camp found a red 
blankett Hat and some small articles but no body. Soon after 
Camp arrived one Indian with news and soon after 2 more and 
three squaws comprising the only survivor[s] of the battle which 
happened thus 21 Nez Perces 18 Flathead and two Iroquois 
and I Ponderai started with intent to steal horses from the Black- 
feet near the head of Salmon River they saw 4 and some 
horses these they attacked just at this moment a horse threw 
one of the Flatheads he seized on one of the horses of the Black- 
feet and ran after him up a mountain he looked back and saw a 
large number of Blackfeet killing his companions not one surviv- 
ed but himself he made the best of his way to the Nez Perce 
Camp to tell the sad tale to the wives and children of the dead 

in this Camp [where] the relatives of the deceased Flathead are 
there is weeping and wailing. Fair all day and comfortably warm, 
there were 46 lodges of the Blackft. do not know if women were 



igS JOURNAL: [255 

with it or not if not it is a much larger Camp than ours, the 
blanketts &c found are accounted for in the practice that the 
Blkft. have of cutting a piece of flesh from near the shoulder 
tying it to an article and throwing it away to propitiate the 
Deity the circumstance of the flesh being tied with them I did 
not at first know. 

28th Moved S. 8 miles following the left branch of the creek 
which forks at our last nights camp then S. S. W. 4 miles and 
camped on the same creek a little rain just after we came to camp 
a band of Buffaloe passed the camp which gave a fine chance to 
the Indians to run them one of them they chased into camp and 
then killed her a fine cow. 

29th Moved S. by E. 6 miles cutting the divide of waters and 
struck a small creek going into Salmon river then 7 miles S by 
E. following the creek through high hills of lime rock on which 
we found plenty of sheep some of which were killed then 
3 miles S. W. and struck Salmon River here a small creek run- 
ning through a fine open plain valley about 6 miles wide and ex- 
tending each way as far as the eye could reach the river runs 
here about W. by N. On the S. side is a high range of snowy 
mountains perhaps not covered the whole year this range is 
parrallel with the river, the country I should call for two days 
back volcanic flints are found in abundance some of the stones 
have a white crust on the outside of them whether of lime or 
Epsom salts can not say both abound the lime rock is most- 
ly slate blue but is found in layers of all shades from white to 
deep blue and very much contorted and forming frequent caves 
and holes. It is the intention of the chiefs to remain at this 
camp until the Nez Perces come to us and then to move together. 
This morning left my wounded horse. 

30th. Same Camp rained all last night and all day Went 
up into the mountains to hunt sheep wounded one but a snow 
storm coming on his trail was covered and I lost him Saw plent}' 

it is surprising to view the places where they go no one would 
imagine it possible for an animal to climb the rocks they do Got 
nothing and hearing a firing hast[en]ed to the top of a hill to see 
if the Camp was attacked but found that the Nez Perces had ar- 
rived with 9 whites a Mr. Hodgskins at their head. This 
party is 16 lodges and only escaped the Blkft. by the latter falling 
in with 31 Indians 30 of whom they killed It is supposed the 
30 killed about 50 of the Blkft. They mustered about 700 ail 
men and were sufficient to cut off" all our Camps if they would 
trade man for man. 

31st Got news that 20 lodges of Blkft. are now camped at our 
camp of 2ist Inst, and I think likely that these are thesame who 
killed the 30 Indians and as usual 10 times over rated. This 
day moved 7 miles S. li. up the river and following a small creek 
near our camp of last night a creek comes in from the S. one 



256] WYRTH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. igq 

which we followed coming from N. W. this one froLm]the S. S. 
E. the main river S. E. went into the mts. saw antelope kill- 
ed nothing in the mountains heavy thunder with a snow and 
hail storm and high wind. 

June I St Same Camp some snow on Mts. got wet. 

2nd 17 miles S. E. i E. by N. through an open plain nearly 
level finished the streams of Salmon river and struck one called 
little Goddin it terminates near the three butes in a little lake 

here goes S. E. through the valley the rats, appear terminat- 
ing on both sides a fair day the S. range comprises much more 
of a stone which I will call quartz the same as is found at Kettle 
falls there is also lime stone Blue and without organic remains. 

3d 15 miles S. E. through the same vall[e]y gradually de- 
cending the stream became a rapid and pretty large one as 
large as some that pass 300 miles We camped at a narrow pass 
formed of low hills here is between the hills a slough of clay 
saturated with Epsom salts the hills are of Basaltic rock in 
collumns the first I have seen in this region lime rock is found 
here in pudding rock Killed plenty of Buffaloe here 

4th. Moved through the vall[e]y following the river called as 
I am informed little Goddin in a S. E. by E. 6 miles during 
which space I found the lower hills of Basalt the mts. are ot 
lime rock the same as passed her[e]tofor[e] Wind high N. W. 
which brings warm weather here and clear grass very bad. 

5th. Clear warm day moved S. E. by E. 8 miles went in 
search of Buffaloe found none Saw an old Blkft. Camp of 65 
fires half as large as our present camp Saw several whirlwinds 
which raised the dust at a distance and appears much like smoke. 
Saw the three Butes come in sight one by one and then theTrois 
Tetons the Butes S. E. b}- S. 20 mils distant about so far 
this river rapid and little brush and no beaver grass worse and 
worse. 

6th. Same Camp last night arrived 3 Kootenays with 25 
beaver who left us on Flathead river being on foot the whole 
time last night sent out Indians to see in what direction were 
the most Buffaloe one came back this mng. reports cows to 
theS. 

7th Moved E. N. E. 15 miles and without water the whole 
route the Trois Tetons bearing E. perhaps 90 miles distant over 
a level and dry plain without grass or extremely little in the aft- 
ernoon had a gale from the S. W. which blew down the lodges 
accompanied with a little rain and enough dust to suffocate one 

on our left there is a range of high hills from which come 
numerous streams but they sink in the plain and are warm and 
muddy went out this evening to bring in the meat of a cow 
killed in the forenoon and found a horse extremely fat it is sur- 
prising how fat a horse gets b}' being left to himself no groom- 



200 JGXURNAL: [257 

ing that I have ever seen will make a horse appear as beautiful as to 
be left to his own resources the Butes bear due S. 

8th 5 miles N. following the same creek up which grows 
larger as we assend had a fine rain & Hail and Thunder today 
which is Sunday. Water very muddy grass little and but a 
little. 

9th. 10 miles N. and following the creek has some tolerable 
wild[?J cotton wood and willow on it wind N. clear and wind}' 

country same Three Nez Perces arrived at camp Bring news 
that Payette is with four Nez Perces Chiefs. Capt Serrey with 
7 is detained by snow that the Blackfeet village is camped at 
the spot where we met the Nez Perces. We find that Payette 
will meet us at the forks Capt Serrey has got 31 horses this 
day a bull was run into camp which I shot at my lodge door To 
day an Indian was running bulls he turned the horse stopped 
and threw him the bull gored him into his chest so that his 
breath was made through the apparture by the help of the 
women he reached camp. When Mr. Ermatinger dressed his 
wound he very composedly made his will by word of mouth the 
Indians responding in concord at the end of each sentence. He 
appeared not in the least intimidated by the approach of death. I 
think the Indians die better than the whites perhaps they have 
less superstition in regard to the future and argue that as the 
deity makes them happy here he will also heareafter if there is 
existence for them. 

loth. Same camp another Indian came to camp who had 
been looking out for the Blkft. He was ambuscaded by two of 
them and narrowly escaped by the goodness of his horse being 
wounded slightly in the nose. 

nth Same camp fresh news of the Blkft. Made horse pen 
that my horses might be safe. I do not apprehend any serious 
attack but only that they will come suddenly with a great noise 
of voices and guns and fright[en] the horses on such occasions 
horses become wild one frights another they run over the 
lodges this increases the confusion and the yelling firing and run- 
ing & snorting of 1200 Indians and 1800 horses is frightfull in- 
deed. Sometimes a camp with as many horses as the above 
loose every one it is commonly whole or none. Day warm, 
clear fresh wind W. 

12th. Same camp warm day The Blackft camp about 15 
mils from this they are very numerous. 

13th. Same camp cloudy and cool with high wind from S. 
E. Blakft. still near but have attempted nothing yet. Child 
died in camp yesterday- remains to bury today. Find I have 
missed one day in my journal which has been done while laying 
at some camp and accordingly date tomorrow the 15th. 

15th Last night some Blackfoot fired into our camp a ball 
passed through a lodge some straggler disappointed of stealing 



258] WYETH'S FIRvST EXrEDITIOX. 201 

horses I suppose. Mov^ed N. N. E. 5 miles and camped on a 
creek now almost dr^^ and soon will be wholly. There is little 
but cotton wood on this creek. 

i6th. 8 miles N. E. by N. to a small creek which about a 
mile below this joins another larger one. Country nearly level 
day windy S. W. wind cool and cloudy Trois Tetons bear E. 
S. E. Today saw the Indians carrying the man who was wound- 
ed by a Buffaloe no one could receive more attention, one person 
to carry w^ater he was on a good bed made on poles the 
front of which like shafts were carried b}' a horse led by his wife 

the hinder part b}^ 6 men and women on their shoulders the 
camp moved slower than usual for him these things give a fav- 
orable impression of the Indians. 

17th. Same camp rained very hard all last night and luitil 
noon of today an alarm of Blkft last night but I believe little of 
these things in so large a camp when it is known that there are 
Blkft. near a man straying out of camp is enough to give rise to 
a report and a report once raised it gathers like a snow ball. 

1 8th. vSame camp Severe hail & snow yesterday- afternoon and 
rain most of last night and until noon today. Camp alx)ut out of 
provisions so we are in hopes of moving soon. Nothing but ne- 
cessity^ and that immediate will induce an Indian to do the least 
thing, an^- excuse serves to stop buisness with them and a small 
party of whites who are not strong enough to move alone will 
find in traveling with them occasion for all the patience they may 
have. 

19th. 1^2 miles to the main rive here going S. \V. this we 
found quite deep enough to ford for horses the mules I was ob- 
liged to unload and put the loads on the horses 3[?] miles more 
passed 

three slews of our stream joining the last river mentioned. 3 
miles more camped on another branch of it making lo'^^ miles 
N. E. by E. day clear snow in patches in shaded places but the 
country green with herbage and mostly in blossom. All rocks 
for some days past volcanic. This stream looses itself in the 
plain. 

20th. Moved 1 1 miles E. by N. and camped on Kamas River 
so called from the abundance of that root in some spots it is so 
abundant as to exclude other vegetation. This Prairie is very ex- 
tensive perhaps 15 miles each way and is intersected by numerous 
little streams which form one going to the S. and ends in a small 
lake on the plain between this and Lewis river day clear & cool 

frost last night snow on all the high hills Trois Tetons bear 
E. S. E. I should think about 80 miles distant found Buffaloe 
here the first for 10 days when we found the last I think at least 
100 were killed in one day 42 tongues were given to Mr. E. H. 
and mvself. 



202 JOURNAL [259 

2ist. Late last night arrived 5 hunters Pillew, Xasben, and 
Churbo3'e and two Indians who left us on the head of the Mis- 
souri having seen plenty of recent sign of the Blkfeet but happily 
saw none they killed 94 Beaver. Today went out to hunt kill- 
ed one Bull, forenoon showers and lowery Kamas in bloom the 
Indians are taking large quantities of it this plain is extensive 
but about 7 miles across of it only is rich and that is as good as 
any land I ever saw the main plain is much of it bare rock the 
surface of which looks like a pan of milk when 5'ou push together 
the cream evidently it was once a fiery and fluid plain or lake of 
of lava, probably the whole plain between these mountains and 
the Trois Tetons the rock is porous like honey comb the sur- 
face shows plainly the heads of Basaltic colums and in some places 
the colums stand not perpendicular but at an angle of 5c degrees 
about, same camp. 

22nd. Same camp arrived this mng. an express from Bon- 
neville this express came from the forks in three days they saw 
Blkft. by the way this afternoon Mr. Hodge left to go to Bon- 
neville day clear and warm Buffaloe were run into camp. 

23rd. Sunday Indians singing and dancing as usual day 
warm and clear. These Inds. do nothing on Sunday. 

24th. Moved across the plain 3 miles N. E. Day warm and 
clear. 

25th Yesterday at night some Inds. came in from hunting 
Buffaloe reported that they saw two Blkft. and fired on them 

at night we saw their fire in the Mts. vSame camp fine clear 
warm day employed in making a saddle. 

26th. Same camp went out hunting saw a few Buffaloe but 
killed nothing but a grou.se as I had some dispute with Mr. 
David Douglass about the grouse of this country I subjoin a dis- 
cription; the bird had 10 pointed drab colored, mottled v;ith white, 
tail feathers the outer edge of the feathers are only mottled until 
you approach their end when both sides are mottled under the 
tail are 10 or 12 dark brown feathers =3 as long as the tail feath- 
ers white at the termination. The tail feathers are about S inches 
long. The wing feathers are nearly white underneath and dark 
drab outside. From the head of the breast bone to the tail are 
many black feathers. On the body under the wings are redish 
gre}- feathers above the I^reast and nearly on the neck is a place 
devoid of feathers of a dirtA' olive color each side and a little be- 
low this is a tuff of short sharp pointed dirty white feathers they 
look as if they had been clipped with a shears. The tail feathers 
look as though they had been burnt off leaving the stalk of the 
quill projecting. The bill is short and curved downwards above 
the bare spot on the neck are short mottled feathers cream, white 
and black. It is feathered to the toes which are three and a small 
one behind. The binder part of the leg is not feathered from the 
knee downwards Toe nails shcM't and obscure, its l->ack pretty 



26o] AVYETH'vS FIRST EXPEDITION. 203 

uniformly mottled with deep brown dirty white approaching dirty 
yellow and dun colored Vv^eight 4 Yi lbs. length from point of 
tail feathers to tip of bill 25 inches from tips of wings 3 ^ ft. 
We were regaled by thunder shower on our return to camp saw 
Blkft. trail and a cow recentl}^ killed by them. 

27th. Same camp nothing remarkable. 

28th. Same camp nothing but lice and dirt. Cool today. 

29th. Same camp as yesterday went out to hunt killed one 
Buffaloe which fell into the river and had to butcher him up to 
my middle in cold water. Some hunters who went out today 
came in with news that they had seen the Blkft. camp on Tobacco 
river one of the heads of the Missouri they say it is larger than 
ours. 

30th Same camp Sunday Indians praying, dancing & sing- 
ing- 

ist July. Moved 2 miles S. and down the creek clear moder- 
ately warm day the ftrst for three days nights have been frosty 

ice made in our pots & pails. Men came from Bonneville in the 
evening. 

2nd. Moved S. 12 miles and camped on same creek on the 
way observed some fine luxuriant clover grass good about 9 
miles down the creek w[h]ich rapidly increases in size from num- 
erous springs w[h]ich are of fine cold water we camped in a clus- 
ter of large cotton wood large for this place about 10 inches 
through. 

3rd. Last night a Bear made his way into camp among the 
horses and gave a considerable alarm but was off before guns could 
be got out. Today moved 16 miles S. S. W. and camped on' 
same creek with Mr. Bonneville with about 40 men bound for 
Green river. I have heretofore forgot to mention that at our 
camp of ist July we left about 40 lodges of the Flatheads coun- 
try this days route dry and barren day warm. ^ 

4th. vSame camp at night saw a band of Blackfeet a little 
above camp clear warm da}'. 

5th. Same camp. 

6th. Same camp very warm weather. 

7th. This morning our camp forked in three directions Mr. 
Hodgkin[?] for a trapping excursion with the Nez Perces, Mr. 
Ermatmger with the Ponderays to go to Flathead river, ourselves 
East 18 miles to Henrys fork here wooded with narrow leafed cot- 
ton wood our route over a very dry plain passing at about half 
the distance some low hills of pure sand with not the least ap- 
pearance of vegetation. The party is 26 all told. 

8th. Followed up the river where we were much annoyed by 
mosquitos about 8 miles N. N. E. there forded it about belly deep 

going E. by S. 5 mils to a large river which must be Lewis 
fork here we found Buffaloe these two rivers form a junction 
about 15 miles from this point as I believe near two butes but 



204 JOURNAL [261 

some say not until you get as low as Three Bates on this river 
are not many mosquitoes. 

9th. Made this day 22^2 miles due East toward the Trois Te- 
tons at 8 miles struck a small creek with cut rock banks run- 
ning N. W. and to the river last crossed, which is not Lewis fork. 
At 20 miles cut a mountain which rises and is wooded to the S 
W. and diminishes to the plain to the N. E. We entered Pierre's 
Hole and camped on the N. W. side of it. Here w^e found Buf- 
faloe. 

loth. Moved 12 miles S. E. crossing a difficult swamp and 
camped about 2 miles from the battle ground of last year with the 
Gros Ventres Day warm and a great quantity of grasshoppers for 
.several days past so much so as to discolor the ground in many 
places. 

I ith. vStarted earl}- and made 3 miles E. S. E. to the foot of 
the mountains then 8 miles E. S. E. to the summit then 6 miles 
E. to Lewis fork and i mile E. across it at the same place we 
crossed last year found it very high for fording but succeeded 
at last. Wind strong N. W. clear and moderately warm. Hors- 
es troubled with hoise flies on the mountanis but not in this plain 

foimd buffaloe in the bottom also mosquitoes The river is here 
much choked up with islands and heaps of drift wood and a great 
quantity of mud in coming over the mountains lost one mule and 
.sent a man back for it he has not returned yet [at] sundown 

got a wet jacket in the river tr5'ing to find a ford. There is 
the trail of about 8 men who have passed through this defile be- 
fore us as I think about 14 days they marked a name on the 
trees and we suppose that the}- are men of Dripps & Fontenelle. 
We as yet see no appearance of the Blkft. except very old forts 
and lodges. IvCwis fork here runs vS. E. about 9 miles then turns 

1 2th. This morning my man came back having been out all 
night he found the mule at our last camp. Made this day 9 
miles S. F,. along the river then 3 miles E. S. E. to a small creek 
running into the river. At this place 9 men under Capt. vStevens 
were attacked by about 30 Blkft. a little later than this time last 
3'ear and several of them killed. Mr. Bonneville informs me that 
when he passed last year in August their bones were laying about 
the valley. I am apprehensive that More, a sick man whom I 
left in charge of Stevens, must be one of them. 6 miles moreover 
a hilly broken limestone country vS. E. to a considerable fork of 
Lewis river this stream is strongly impregnated with sulphur. 
This camp is almost without grass. In the first place this morn- 
ing we moved 3 miles and crossed a creek putting into the river. 
At our camp of to night there is a small branch joining the creek 
Irom the vS. 1%. 

f3th. luist 5 miles X. E. '- mile thn^ugli bad onl rocks on 



[262 WYETH'vS FIRST EXPEDITION. 205 

the N. side of the river there is also a trail on the S. side then 
Y-i mile E. then }{ mile S. E. then following a left hand fork 
of the river a few rods N. E. crossed it and made E. 3 miles to 
the right hand fork again which we followed E. 2 miles then S. 
E. 4 miles to camp crossing it several times a good trail most 
of the way one horse of the Indians killed by falling from the 
cut rock trail down to the river in the first of the cut rocks there 
is a handsome cave rock lime & sand a few boulders of granite 
seen today as also on the E. side of the mountains of Pierreshole. 
The river which we followed this day is rapid and too deep below 
the branches to ford during the last of the route several small 
forks from each side. 

14th. Made 9 miles S. E. to the height of land between this 
river and Green river then 5 miles S. S. E. to a creek running in- 
to Green river, there are good trails all the way and to the di- 
vide much timber The creek on which we camped last night j ust 
above the camp divided into three forks. We followed the most 
southwardly for awhile then mounted the hill on the left side of 
it. There has been for two days a high range of Mts. on our left 
about 10 miles distant apparently of sand stone and limestone 

these [trend] E. S. E. &N. 1<[. W. and on the divide between this 
and Wind river also on our right there have been a range of Mts. 
of same composition about 15 mils distant. Both ranges have 
snow in patches Many alarms today but still no enemys killed 
plenty of Buffaloe. 

15th. Made E. S. E. 12 miles to Green river and to Mr. Bon- 
nevilles fort day clear and fine. Found here collected Capt. 
Walker, Bonneville, Cerry, of one Co. Dripps & Fontenelle of the 
Am. Fur Co. Mr. Campbell just from St. Louis, Mess. Fitzpatric, 
Gervais, Milton Sublette of the Rocky Mountain Fur Co. and 
in all the Cos. about 300 whites and a small village of Snakes 

here I got letters from home. During the last year among all 
the Cos there has been in all about 25 men killed two of m}' ori- 
ginal party with them, viz Mr More & O'Neil. [O'Neal?] 

1 6th. Same camp. 

17th. Moved 10 miles down the river S. E. it is here a large 
and rapid stream and to be forded only in a few places. Here we 
were followed by the Snake village we encamped with the Rock}' 
Mountain Fur Co. 

1 8th to the 24 remained at the same camp during which time 
the weather was pleasant and warm for several nights we were 
an[n]oyed by mad dogs or wolves which I cannot say but believe 
the latter as one was killed. I think one animal did the whole 
mischief as when men were bitten at one camp none were at the 
other about nine persons were bitten at Dripps & Fontenelles 
camp and three at ours. D. & Fs. camp is 4 miles above us on 
the same side of the river we hope he was not mad as no sim- 
tons have j^et appeared. 



2o6 JOURNAL [263 

24tb. Moved E. 12 miles cutting a small divide came to a 
v\'ide valley parallel with Wind river Mts. in which we crossed 3 
large creeks and camped on the 4th. which has much pine timber 
on it and is called Pine fork they all come into one quite soon 
by appearance and are not near as large as the main fork on 
which we first found the whites and which we have now cross- 
ed. In coming here it passed to our left that is up stream. Found 
plenty of Antelope and Bulls. 

25th. Crossed the stream and moved E. vS. E. 3 miles to a 
creek the same on which I made a cash last 3'ear and crossed at 
a good ford just below two stony hills then on 7 }^ mile E. S. 
E. following a branch of the same creek and camped to noon. 
Buffaloe throwing the dust in the air in every direction and An- 
telope always in sight. This day a Air. Worthington in running 
a bull fell from his horse, the Bull furious ran at the horse and 
passed him within 3 feet then turned again and passed him he 
having got up from the ground ran and escaped he killed the 
bull and found he had but one e}'e owing to v.'hich circumstance 
he escaped. Afternoon made S. E. 13 miles leaving the last creek 
of what is called New fork to which all the w^aters we have pass- 
ed since leaving rendesvous belong the one we camped on last 
night heads in a lake about i Yz miles over and not far from 
where we slept. We now struck the west fork of Sandy and 
camped at an old camp of last year at a place where Ball left his 
rifle[?] Country covered with Buffaloe. 

26th. Made S. E. 9 miles and camped on another fork of San- 
dy then S. E. by E. 15 miles to Sweet water all the countr}^ is 
granite from rendesvous so far Buffaloe quite plenty also Antel- 
ope Toda3' shot a cow with a verj^ young calf the calf ran after 
our mules for a long way until it found the difference. 

27th. Made down the creek i y-z miles E. S. E. then E. 8 
miles to another branch of Sweet water ihen 6 miles E. by X. to 
another branch of same then down this branch vS. E. 2 miles and 
camped. Saw one band of Elk and many Antelope plenty ot 
Buffaloe. 

28th. Made E. 2 mils to another Creek running S. by E. cross- 
ed made E. 6 miles E. by N. 4 miles at the creek a sort of 
slate prevailed but soon ran into a red sandstone passed at r i 
mils a small pond to our right few Buffaloe today last night 
Capt. Stewart had some sport with a bear near our camp in the 
willows which he wounded but did not kill He represented him 
as large as a mule. In the afternoon made E. by N. 6 miles to 
Sweet water river thenN. E. 3 miles up it and camped. I came 
ahead and found a white bear in a thickett and after firing a pis- 
tol and throwing stones into it started him out he came as though 
he meant to fight us but I gave him the shot of m}' rifle thnnigh 
the bodv He then rushed on us and I ran as fast as I could Mr. 



264] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 207 

Kamel [Campbell?] snapped at him Mr Sublette ran also being on a 
mule 

the bear followed us no great distance and turned and ran up 
creek some horsemen followed and killed him after putting 4 
more balls into him. 

29th. Same camp, rained all day two men went out to hunt 
and at night one returned alone the other in the morning being 
still absent. 

30th. Started out to hunt the man and in about 8 miles came 
10 the place hunted the whole country over and found nothing 
but a vv^hite bear the largest and the whitest I have yet seen run 
him about a mile and fired one shot but could not kill him. After 
a long ride returned to camp found the party had moved on 
followed them N. N. W. in 6 miles struck Po[r]poise in a small rapid 
thread running through sandstone banks this we followed N. 
W. 3 miles then N. by E. 9 miles more thousands of Buffaloe in 
sight and the red bottom of the streams deep and muddy with re- 
cent rains and found camp a little after sundown. The afternoon 
of the 29th we found lime rock almost entirely toda^^ sand stone 
and a kind of glassy stone resembling Carnelian a coarse kind 
of which I think it is. 

31st N. N. W. 8 miles through a muddv Bottom and little 
grass to some large willows found a party of 4 whites who have 
lost their horses and one of them wounded in the head with a Ball 
and in the body with an arrow verj^ badly they suppose the 
Snakes did it but I think not. Little grass. In the afternoon 
moved N. 9 miles to the junction of Great Po[r]poise river which 
comes from the S. W. then N. by E. 4 miles to the junction of 
Wind river which comes from the W. turning around as I supose 
and running along Wind River Mountains which run N. W. Al- 
together they form a large and muddy river but fordable now 
which is after a heav^' rain. 

Aug. ist. Same camp find Mr. Bonneville camped a few miles 
above us. On farther inquiry I changed my opinion expressed 
above in regard to the Indians who stole the horses I think the3^ 
were 15 Snakes who left our camp at Green river a few da^^s be- 
fore we left that place. The case was this. Mr. Bridger sent 4 
men to this river to look for us viz Mr. Smith, Thomson, Char- 
boneau a half breed and Evans. Two da^^s before it happened 15 
Inds came to them (Snakes) and after smoking departed the 
second day after they were gone Thompson having been out hunt- 
ing [hobbled?] his horse to the others and thought he would 
sit down by them until it was time to v/aterthem and having been 
on guard much of the time previous fell asleep he was waked by 
a noise among the horses which he supposed to [be] his comrades 
come to water them raising his head and opening his eyes the 
first thing that presented itself to his sight was the muzzle, of a 
gun in the hands of an Indian it was immediately discharged 



2o8 JOURNAL [265 

and so near his head that the front piece of his cap alone saved 
his eyes from being put out by the powder the Ball entered the 
head outside of the eye and breaking the cheek bone passing 
downward and lodged behind the ear in the neck this stunned 
him and while insensible an arrow was shot into him on the top 
of the shoulder downward which entered about 6 inches, the Inds 
got 7 horses all there were. Charboneau pursued them on toot 
but wet his gun in crossing a little stream and only snapped twice. 

2nd. Found the river unfordable and assended to west cross- 
ing Po[r]poise & Wind river 5 miles up and made thence 2c miles 
N. E. by N. to a little creek going to Wind now on our right. 

3rd. 1 1 miles N. N. E. to the summit of the mountains which 
are called little Wind River Mts. and run E. & W. then N. 5 
miles to the river. 

4th. 2 miles N. along the river to a clump of sweet cotton 
wood. 

5th. 7 miles N. by W. to the River which between makes a 
considerable bend to the eastward camped in good grass and some 
large cotton wood trees this morning past beautiful camps aft- 
ernoon N. by E. 12 miles 3 horses found this da3^ and yesterda}^ 

probably left by some party of Inds. who have passed this way 

saw the tracks of several more we think that when the Crows 
stole horses of the Snakes last winter they came this route and 
left their animals on account of giving out for want of food in the 
snow. Few Buffaloe and those running indicates Indians near. 

6th. N 10 miles to the River again to noon found little grass 

dav cool afternoon 10 miles N. N. E. to the main river again. 
Since crossing the last Mts. we crossed a creek the second 
forenoon afternoon one 3'esterday 2 today 2 all small and I 
suppose sometimes dry 

7th. 12 miles N. N. W and camped on Grey Bull River here 
I found a piece of about 5 lbs of Bituminous coal which burned 
freely It had in it some substance which I took to be Amber al- 
so an impression of wood It looked like and as good as Liverpool 
Coal. Its fracture was too perfect to have come far. 20 miles 
above and on the E. side comes in the River Travelled [?] in after- 
noon 6 miles N. N. W. and again struck Wind river. Shell 
river comes in 3 miles below Grey Bull on the E. side and from 
the Mts. in the direction E. by N. Grey Bull is from the S. W. 
and much the largest stream on this side since Wind river. For 
three days have found no Buffaloe and from the nature of the 
country think it is not often found in abundance along here ex- 
cept in the winter no antelope a few Elk and deer. 

Sth. W. N. W. 3 miles then 21 miles X. E. toward the right 
of two considerable Mts. where Wind river passes. We camped 
West of these hills on a river larger than Ckey Bull called Stink- 
ing River coming from the S. W. This days travel was made be- 
tween parrallel ridges of broken lime and sand rock some of it ap- 



[269 WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. zoq 

peared calcined and much like fine caked salt. This day picked 
up some shell they are very numerous also a round concretion 
which are found also on Cannon Ball River from which the 
name also a concretion of much the same substance but long 
pointed at one end with a core in the middle a hole at big end. 
During this space there was no water to our right there is a 
range of Mts. running N. W. about 9 miles distant and the other 
side of Wind River. 

9th. ID miles N, striking a small stream of water This days 
travel and yesterday was over ground naked of vegetables in 
which the animals sank near six inches deep at every step per- 
fectly dry and resembling, but of different color, lime in the op- 
eration of slacking full of holes down which the waters at the 
wet season sink the rock is sand and lime stone. 

loth. N. 15 miles passing near but not exactly on the river 
and through rocky hills of no great height. The river here looks 
tranquil but flows between two perpendicular banks of stone of 
perhaps 5 to 800 feet high the chasm even at the top of no great 
width the rock of lime and sand this da3^s march saw Plaster 
of Paris found for first time this year ripe Service berrys. Kill- 
ed one mountain sheep which was all the meat killed this day for 
48 men short commons, hard rains last night. 

nth. Went out hunting killed 2 Cows and 4 Bulls the 
camp made about a N. course at six miles crossed a small creek 

at 5 more another probably another branch of the same at 
9 more a creek separate from the others but not large all these 
creeks have high perpendicular banks and are very bad to cross 
in the course of the day saw 4 Bears white. A fine gra.ss countr}'^ 
and a great many Buflaloe. 

1 2th. 4 miles N. E. to Big Horn River this day went out to 
get Bull Hydes for boat got enough and emplo5'ed the rest of 
the day in making a Boat this da^- followed down a little stream. 

13th. Remained at same camp made a Bull Boat day fine. 

14th. Same camp da^^ fine. 

15th. Made a start in our Bull Boat found it to answer the 
purpose well large enough runs well leaks a little made 3 
miles N. E. stream rapid shoals at places 2 feet. Too much 
liquor to proceed therefore stopped. 

1 6th. Made a start in our boat found travelling quite pleasant 
but requires much caution on account of some snaggs and bars. 
We frequently took one half of the river which dividing again gave 
too little water for our boat which draws i ^ feet it is quite too much 
the [boat] ought to have been flatter We grounded about 6 times 
this forenoon it is surprising how hard a thump these bull Boats 
will stand ours is made of three skins is 18 feet long and about 
5 Yz wde sharp at both ends round bottom. Have seen on the 
banks of the river this forenoon 3 grisly bears and some Bulls in 



2IO JOURNAL [267 

the river and on the banks they stare and \vonder much the 
direction of this march was as near as I can judge N. bj^ E. we 
went from 5 to 1 1 as I think about 6 miles per hour the indirec- 
tion I suppose to be not more than J/(. All feel badly today from 
a severe bout of drinking last night. Afternoon made 4 hours at a 
good 6 mile rate grounded three times saw a few elk and much 
Beaver sign all daj^ there is here the best trapping that I have 
ever found on so large a river it is about 100 yards wide w^hen 
all together but is much cut into slews which makes the naviga- 
tion ver^^ difficult. The musquitoes have ano^^ed me much todaj^ 

the}^ affect me almost as bad as a rattle snake this afternoons 
course about N. N. W. at 6 miles from our noon camp passed a 
place where we supposed the Little Horn River came in from the 
S. E. at least there is a considerable river at that place but it is 
difficult to tell a returning slew from a river this afternoon a 
severe thunderstorm which compelled us to put ashore until it 
was over 

17th. This day the river made nearty a N. course and we made 
about 7 )/2 hours at the rate of about 6 miles the river winding 
about % of the distance we started at 5 ock. at about 9 ock. 
saw several persons ahead on the bank of the river wdiich we at 
first supposed to be whites from the fort but soon found to be 
Crow Indians they informed us that the whole nation was be- 
hind we were anxious to avoid them but could not as the river 
afforded us no hiding place they showed us that they meant us 
to land very soon by stepping and swimming into the river seeing 
this we chose to land without further trouble in this way we 
were obliged to make the shore 6 times during the da}- we ar- 
rived at the Yellow Stone v.'hich was of clear water and did not 
mix with the waters of the Big Horn v^^hich was at this time dirty 
for some miles about 3 miles below the mouth of the Big Horn 
we found Fort Cass one of the Am. F. Co. at which post we trad- 
ed about 10 packs of Beaver and 150 to 200 pack robes goods 
are broug[t] up in boats of about 15 tons burthen 2 of which are 
now laying here and one of them preparing to descend in two da^'S 

we were treated with little or no ceremony by Mr. Tullock,who 
we found in charge which I attribut'^d to sickness on his part well 
knowing that a sick man is never disposed to be over civil to oth- 
ers we therefore pushed on next morning. Just as we arrived 
we saw 31 Indians with two American flags come to theotherside 
of the river they were Gros ventres du Baum the same we 
fought with last summer at the Trois Tetons thev came to make 
peace with the Crows they were treated civily at the Fort and 
before night followed the river up to the Crow village where I ex- 
pect their scalps will be taken for the Crows informed us that not 
long since a few Blkft. came and made peace v»-ith them shorth' 
aftel- three Crows went to the Blackfeet two of which they killed 
and they were determined to make no more peace with them. 



268] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 211 

1 8th. Started down the river made 3 hours with a hard wind 
about 4 miles an hour and put up to noon seeing some elk which 
we were in hopes to get to eat course about N. afternoon the 
river tended more Eastwardly and at last came to E. N. E. We 
made at the rate of 5 miles an hour for 3 y^ hours and camped to 
fish and hunt having no meat on hand there is along this river 
pretty bottoms and great quantities of sweet cotton wood which 
would be fine for winter camps. We saw some large bands of elk 
but our hunters were more conceited than good which I have gen- 
erally found to be the case with the hunters in this countrj^ thej^ 
are not willing that a new hand should even try, and are far 
from good shots themselves and commonly have miserable flint 
guns which snap continually and afford an excuse for not killing. 
The river sometimes cuts blufs which are mostly of sand stone 
but the river brings down granite and porphr5^ Fort Cass is sci- 
tuated on the E. bank of the Yellow stone river is about 130 feet 
square made of sapling cotton wood pickets with two bastions at 
the extreme corners and was erected in the fall of 1832. The 
Yellow stone comes from the S. W. till it meets the Big Horn 
then the tVvO go about N. until the}^ bend to the eastward. 

19th. Made 5 )^ hours in a calm fine day I should think about 6 
miles the hour the river going E.N.E. stopped early to try a band of 
Buffaloe that we see on the left of us, at first we were careful to 
see if they were really Buffaloe for j^esterday we were near ap- 
proaching a band of Indians which I suppose were the residue of 
the Blackfeet which I saw at the fort as they appeared coming 
down from that way. Nooned in a fine cool place under the shade 
of a large Cotton wood in a large green bottom the musquitoes 
take much from the pleasure of the trip which is otherwise fine 
but I believe for a party like ours rather dangerous in afternoon 
2 y^ hours about 6 per H. River E. stopped on hearing the 
bellowing of Buffaloe on shore to get meat. Our hunters as usual 
having failed went myself and killed a cow got a good ducking 
from a shower and returned loaded with meat much fatigued. 
About 4 miles before we stopped we passed the mouth of Rose 
Bud a river coming from S. S. W. 

20th. Started early and made this forenoon 6 hours at the rate 
of about 5 y-z miles. River about E. N. E. last night a smart 
rain which wet our clothes much caught just at dusk last night 
plenty of Blue Catfish and a small one which resembles an Ale 
wife soon after starting this morning found an immense herd of 
Buffaloe close to the river stopped and killed 2 fat cows and 
could have killed any number more but this was enough thej^ 
keep up a continued grunting night and day now that we have 
fairly got into them in the afternoon made 5 yz hours current 
about 6 miles and E. N. E. at 5 hours found bad rapids but at 
this low stage of the water it is said to be better passing on ac- 
count of the chanell being more visible we had a good joke on 



212 JOURNAL [266 

much as usual during the afternoon we had a good j oke on 
the old hands as they call them selves in distinction to those who 
have been a short time in the country two bald headed Eagles 
being perched on a tree on a point and ranged to the other side 
of the river our motion made them appear moving the old one 
cried out Les Savvages others of them said on horseback with 
white scarfs I looked long but not supposing that they meant the 
eagles I said I saw nothing but the eagles they soon found out 
their mistake and we had a good laugh at them and a pleasant 
one as all the Indians we meet here we expect to fight. This day 
and yesterday whenever the river makes _ perpendicular 
banks we saw veins of poor bituminous coal in 5 to 7 veins 
horizontal from 3 It. to 6 inches thick and ic to 15 feet above 
each other rock sandstone. 

2ist. Made 5 hours river about E. N. E. passed the mouth 
of Powder River at 4 hours and half an hour below a bad and 
rocky rapid but without accident the coal still continues and 
thousands of BufFaloe day fine stopped to noon a little below 
the rapids in the afternoon made 5 hours current about 5 miles 
per hour in about E. N. E direction no rapids of consequence 

the blufs have ceased these blufs are a part of the Black hills 
as I am informed the Black Hills I am also informed make the 
Falls of Missouri at the Three Forks just on leaving the blufs 
the coal veins appeared thicker day fine. Buftaloe plenty. 

22nd. Made at 5 y^ per hour 6 hours in forenoon using a 
sail which we found of little advantage and but a little course of 
the river N. N. E. and from the junction on the E. side of first 
Rose Bud then Tongue and then Powder Rivers it is of about the 
color of the Missouri altho the Yellow stone above is of clear 
water quite so above the junction of the Big Horn. Our boat get- 
ting quite rotten in afternoon made 5 hours same course 5 miles 
per hour river better not so [many] bars and country not 
mountainous the coal appears to have given out. 

23rd. Made in forenoon 4 hours at the [rate] of 5 [miles] per 
hour river about N. E. Day fine and hot plenty of Elks in 
herds afternoon made 4 hours N. then 2 >'2 hours E. N. Iv cur- 
rent about 4 miles per hour saw but Httle game only 2 Elk river 
broad and shoal. 

24th Made N. N. E. 2 hours with a heavy head wind about 

4 miles per hour then the river turned Westwardly and when it 
enters the Missouri is running W. by S. this made one hour 
more when we found the Missouri which we assended N.W. about 

5 miles to Fort Union where we arrived about noon and were met 
with all possible hospitality^ and politeness by Mr. McKensie the 
Am. V. Co. agent in this country. 

27tb. This day at 14 past 10 oclock we took leave our hospi- 
table entertainers and on the experience of a few days with pre- 
possessions highly in their favor we found Mr. McKensie a most 



[270 WYI^TH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 



213 



polite host I was particularly pleased with a Mr. Hamilton and I am 
perhaps presumptions in saying that I felt able to appreciate his 
refined politeness he is a man of superior education and an Kng- 
lishman. I was here supplied with a peroque traded from the 
Blackfeet. A Mr. Patten shewed me a powder flask which he 
traded from the Blkft. I immediately knew it to be one of mine 
and on examination found No. 4 H.G.O.M. graven with a point on it. 
It was Mores flask who was killed in Little Jackson Hole last year 
on his return home after rendesvous. Fort Union is pleasantty 
scituated on the N. bank of the Missouri 6 miles above the junc- 
tion of Yellow stone there is no timber on a high bank above the fort 
I am told that there is not enough moisture here to raise vegeta- 
bles potatoes grass ect, Some corn is traded from the Inds. lower 
down the fort is of usual construction about 220 feet square and 
is better furnished inside than any British fort I have ever seen 
at Table we have flour Bread Bacon Cheese Butter they live w^ell 

I here saw a small sturgeon but they are very rare Cat fish are 
good and plenty they have cows and bulls milk etc. I saw 
lime burning also coal here they are beginning to distil spirits 
from corn traded from the Inds. below. This owing to some restric- 
tions on the introduction of the article into the countr}^ Above 
this we have met plumbs, grapes, cherrys, Currants, ash, elm. The 
river being already well laid down shall no longer give the course 

we left the fort and Avent 2 hours and stopped for Mr. Sublette 
who remained behind to finish some business he came accomp- 
anied b}^ the gentlemen of the fort after leaving us we made 4 
hours then supped and made one hour more and found Mr. Wm. 
L. Sublette at anchor with a large Bull boat this gentleman we 
had expected to have found on our arrival at the Missouri he is 
come to trade furs in opposition to the Am. F. Co. he treated us 
with much politeness his brother preferred to remain and come 
to the states with him we are therefore left without any one who 
has decended the Missouri but I can go down stream. 

28th. Pulled one hour put by from wind and to regulate then 
pulled 6 hours and stopped to supper the banks continually fall- 
ing in after supper we floated through the night j i hours 
Calm 

29 While breakfast was preparing went out to hunt killed 
one deer and found a severe time in the thick swamp and mosqu- 
toes pulled 8 Yz hours and drifted 1 1 hours through the nio-ht 
which exposed me to much rain and wind from two thunder 
showers. I had much difficulty to keep the boat from bars and 
snaggs ran several times on to Bars all hands being asleep had to 
jump over board to get [her] off In the night elk keep up a con- 
tinual sque[a]ling it being now the commencement of their run- 
ning season. 

30th Day pulled 9 hours Saw three white Bears this day and 
some Elk and a herd of Buffaloe night floated 8 ^A, hours and 



214 JOURNAL [271 

were stopped by a gale from the S. E. not thinking it expedient 
to pull with a head wind and in the dark. 

3rst Blowing a gale. Made about 4 hours about the rate of 2 
mils per hour and finding it too bad laid by at a considerable river 
coming from the S. entering by 2 mouths this I look to be the 
little Missouri as laid down in the maps. In this vicinit_v we find 
primitive peb[b]les and bo[u]lders much petryned wood other 
alCljuvial productions stopped all night on ace. of wind and 
rain which made our scituation uncomfortable in the extreme 
the weather had heretofore been ver}' warm average as much as 
90° this day cold like an Eastwardly storm. 

ist. At seven the weather having abated a little m.ade a start. 
At 3 o'clock found some of vSublettes men cutting timber for a 
fort and learned from them that the upper Mandan was • 9 miles 
ahead we made it at 6 this da^^ made only about 3 per hour 
this village was about i }^ miles from the river , taking ray Indi- 
an and a man with me I went to it and was well received by Mr. 
Dorherty, Mr. Sublet[t]es clerk and the Inds. Stopped about 
one hour with him and then pulled 3 hours more passing 3 vil- 
lages of Mandans and not seeing the fort and being afraid of pass- 
ing it stopped for the night. 

2nd. Pulled yz hour arrived first on a high point at the village 
then immediately round the point found the fort and Vv'as v\'ell re- 
ceived b3^ Mr Kipp. the Am. F. Co. agent for the Mandans 
Stopped 2 hours took breakfast the[y] presented me some dr}'- 
corn and some roasting ears. All these villages cultivate corn 
peas beans pumpkins ect. At )2 past 7 ock pulled a short distance 
when we had a good breeze and sailed until 5 ock then stopped to 
supper then floated from 6 until 12 ock then stopped owing to 
fog with head wind. 

3rd. Floated 2 hours and stopped to Breakfast having found 
no game have lived much upon the stores we have taken from the 
forts above At the last place we were presented with some green 
corn which we are now roasting Makes us think of (31d Lang 
Sine. We have had for tour days rainy cloudy & fogg},- weather 

our bed clothes are wet and musty in consequence after Break- 
fast pulled 6 hours when I thought best to go on shore to cook 
I sent a man out to hunt in the meantime as soon as he assended 
the high bank he perceived horses on. the other side we after[- 
ward.s] counted 21 lodges and from the nunil)er of liorses I have 
no doubt there might have been from 75 to 100. I immedialeiy 
had the boat put into a little thicket and fortifyed as well as I 
could then v/ent to fishing and spent the afternoon caught but 
tvv'O large catfish as soon as it was dark we proceeded forward 
vvith a high wind and a cloud}' sky and no -\Ioon all went well 
luitil we were just opposite the village when we perceived lodges 
and fires 0!i our side also On seeing this I ste[e]red the boat to the 
middle of the river but unlucklv took ground on a sand bar 



272] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 215 

here we worked hard for some time to get ofi and had the Indi- 
ans seen or heard us herCe] we were in distance for shot from 
both sides and could have made little resistance but they did not 
and after some time we got off and glad we were. We proceedCed] 
in all 4 hours pulled, then stopped for the night these were prob- 
ably the Aricarey and would have scalped us. I feared much for 
my Nez Perce for we could not speak to anj^ Indian on the river 
and all would without explanation have made some fuss and per- 
haps have killed him. 

4th. With almost a gale of wind from the W. pulled 6 hours 
and then stopped to eat having twice nearly upset in carrying sail 
and wet all our things after drying and eating started on still 
blowing fresh and pulled 3 hours then floated through the night 
1 1 hours It was a beautiful still night the stillness interrupted 
only by the neighing of the Elk the continual low of the Buffa- 
loe which we came to soon after starting the hooting of large 
owls and the screeching of small ones and occasionally the near- 
er noise of a beaver gnawing a tree or splashing into the water 
and even the gong like sound of the swan it was really poetical 
but sleep at last laid in his claim and I gave the helm to a man. 
Oak is now plenty in the Bottoms and for a few da^-s past has 
been seen The upland along the river is here prettj' good plumbs 
■We occasionally see and have since we first took water on the Big 
Horn frequent squalls of rain yesterday. 

5th. Pulled 7 hours stopped to eat pulled one more came 
to a deserted village on the S. bank fired two guns to see if there 
was any one in it but had no answer pulled one hour more then 
floated 7 hours more then pulled 3 to Breakfast saw in morn- 
ing a band of Elk playing like children in the water failed of 
killing any of them owing to the impatience of one of the men 
who fired too soon pulled through a dreadful rain 7 hours and 
camped wet and cold rained all night strong east wind. 

6. In the morning made 8 hours pulling seeing an Elk on 
the sand Bar stopped and killed him very aceptable as we have 
had nothing to eat since yesterday noon and saved his horns for 
ray best of friends Mr. F. Tudor of Boston pulled 2 hours more 
•and the night being dark and appearance of a storm did not run. 

.7th. East night about 11 cck was awakened b}'- the water mak- 
ing a breach over the boat got her off the shore but was obliged 
to make the shore again on account of some of the men who were 
so frightened that if I had not the^^ would have jumped overboard 

laid the rest of the night on a lee shore thundering in a loud 
strain and raining at no allowance spent a most uncomfortable 
night an[d] rose in the morning benumbed with cold and all 
hands as dead as loggs started after eating at S ock and pulled 
until 2 ock when we had a fine breeze which gradual[l]y increased 
to a gale before which we scudded at a good rate almost despair- 
ing of seeing Fort Pier[r]e which we began to think we had pass- 



2i6 JOURNAL [273 

ed at about sundown we saw people on the hills which we sup- 
posed to be Inds. therefore kept on thej^ fired but we did not 
choose to hear about an hour after sundown we smelt the flavor 
of coal and landed and found people who had just burned a kiln 
who informed us that the fort was 3 rails ahead we though [t] to 
go to sleep at the fort but soon found that night and a gale of 
wind was a poor time for travelling and also that 3 miles w^as in 
fact 3 leagues after being near filled by the surf and running 
afoul of several sand bars and getting overboard to push off we 
concluded to stop for the night which we did cold and tired and 
wet we spent the night as we best could one comfort plenty of 
elk meat stopped at 10 ock. 

8. Made by sailing 3 miles and found Fort Pier[r]e pleasantly 
scituated on the right bank rather low but withall romantic 
were received with all hospitality imaginable by Mr. Laidlowwho 
is in charge of the Am. F. Co. post here was much pleased by 
the order and regularity apparent about the place we stopped 
here for the da^' and visited Mr. and Mrs. Sublette who is scitua- 
ted about one mile below we here ?aw melons of two kinds corn 

pork cows horses and stacks of hay. 

9th. Remained at the fort until about i ock. when we made 
by pulling 2 hours an Island 9 miles below the fort on which the 
Co. have about 15 acres of ground under cultivation here I re- 
mained all this day eating and drinking of the good things afford- 
ed by the earth and the cellars of the Co. Found cucumbers 
water & musk mellons beets carrots potatoes onions corn 
and a good cabin and the Company of Mr. I^aidlow and Doct. 

loth. At 8 ock. began pulling the water has within two days 
risen about 2 feet in consequence of the rains which so an[n]o3-ed 
me above and the surface of the water is covered with all manner 
of drift rubbish and the w^ater as muddy as possible. Wind ahead 
all day but current much improved stopped at 6 ock at the com- 
mencement of the great Bend and remained all night. 

iith. Commenced pulling at V2 past 6 after having sent a 
hunter across the foot of the Bend and after 6 hours got past the 
Bend and found our hunters who had hid themselves in the brush 
being alarmed by seeing Inds. whom w^e also saw and gave some 
amunition to took them in and in two hours more came to the 
agency for the Sioux & Poncas Mr. Bean agent but not at the 
post we found it a miserable concern only three or four men but 
poorly fed and buildings out of order though new and shabbily 
built at best we were hospitably received by the young man in 
charge. 

12. Pulled against a severe head wind 9 hours in hopes of 
finding White River but camped without seeing it got plenty of 
good plumbs which were an object to stop for as we are about out 
of food and the vicinitv almost destitute of game. 



[274 WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 217 

13th Pulled against a severe wind 3 Yz hours finding we did 
not make much headway laid b}^ for the day. 

14th. Blowing still fresh ahead we started and made 15 hours 
night and day continuing until 12 ock at night it was dark and 
we were nearly upset by a snag but our fears of starvation impel- 
led us to haste did not see an animal all day during the latter 
part of the night it rained in torrents and wet all our things and 
persons. 

15th. Commenced pulling at 7 ock. Still blowing fresh ahead 
and raining a little about 3 ock cleared off and stopped to cook 

during meal time killed a fawn which was very good luck aft- 
er supper pulled 5 hours more and found a keel boat of the Am. 
F. Co. alongside of which we stopped for the night in the morn- 
ing of 

1 6th. Put ahead wdth a fine wind not having been asked on 
board of her and immediately passed the Ponca village but I be- 
lieve not in its usual place saw and delivered a message to Mr. 
Sublettes agt. here and gave the Chief some tobacco. Made with 
a wind which as usual soon died aw^ay and pulling 13 hours when 
we ran on a sand bar and was unable in the dark to extricate her 
and slept all night on it the musquitoes almost murder us rain- 
ed most of the night. 

17. Started at 5 ock. Pulled this day to hours rained some 
in the course of the day saw Powquet the first since leaving the 
states also mulberry trees Bass wood. 

i8th. Started earl}^ after a rainy night and pulled 10 hours 
saw wild Turkeys this evening but killed none nearly out of all 
kinds of provisions saw this da^' a herd of Elk tryed hard to 
get some but failed 

19th. Made with a strong and fine wind 12 hours and camped 
without meat supped on a little flour boiled in water Saw dur- 
ing the day 3 deer looked with folly at them and fired two shots 
and they ran off. 

20th. Stopped until ^ past 6 to hunt caught one goose which 
we eat for breakfast afterward put ashore the hunters for game 

the^' were fortunate enough to kill a fat doe on which we feast- 
ed right merryh^ and having lost so much time we concluded to 
run until the moon went down altho we were before informed 
that it was not safe a few hours we got along well enough but 
at last went over a snagg vvdth limbs above which taking our 
mast and the boat swinging broadside she was taking in water at 
a joll3^ rate and in a little she would have gone with the suck un- 
der the rock I immediately had the mast cut a wa)^ just in time 
to save her escaped from this I determined to try more we ran 
a little and were driven head foremost on a large tree Ijdng across 
the river We stopped about midway and lay swinging like a 
pendulum with much danger and difficulty we extricated her 
not being 5^et discouraged we ran on but soon were driven into a 



2tS journal [275 

large driit we narrowly escaped being carried under and halffuU 
of water and oar oar broke we made the shore as soon as possible 

resolved to run no more nights, after making 10 )4 hours. 

2 1 St. Made 9 hours with a head wind and camped at the old 
post of Council Bluffs it is now grown up with high weeds a 
memento of much money spent to little purpose it is a beautiful 
soituation the magazine and three or four chimneys only remain . 

22nd. After 5 hours in a dead current we arrived at a trading 
post of the Am. F. Co. Mr. Josh. Pilcher agent by whom we were 
entertained with the utmost hospitality I had met Mr, P. at St. 
Louis on my way out on this account I had much pleasure in 
stopping we found a good assortment of vegetables and a sup- 
ply of such things as we wanted. Dined with him and made 
three hours more and stopped to hunt Killed a fat deer and 
camped for the night. 

23rd. Made 2 hours pulling and passed an agency % mile 
farther a trading post of Mess. Dripps & Fonter;ellc. Made in all 
13 hours and camped during the day killed one deer from the 
Boat from Council Bluffs to this have found the HicCkJory 
Shagbark Sicamore and Coffee Bean trees not seen above also 
Night Shade Brier. Ducks Ge[e]se and Pelicans have been very 
numerous but shy for about 8 days stopped at the above trading 
post found only an old negro at home the rest out cutting wood. 

24th. Made this day 10 % hours Killed one goose saw 
plent}^ of deer 

25th. Made 11 hours Killed one Turkey from the boat saw 
this day the first Pawpau fruit and trees wounded one deer from 
boat and stopped to search for him but without success 

26th. Made 1 1 hours at 8 hours came to a trading house of 
the Am-. F. Co. called Pvubideau Fort at the Black Snake hills 
and on the N. bank of the river on a little rise of ground in the 
rear of a beautiful bottom. Today saw the Black Locust for the 
first tim.e the lands are here quite fine and the hills as far back 
as we can see clothed with timber and verdure of the most luxuri- 
ant appearance the country is one of the most pleasant I have 
ever seen 

27th. After 7 hours pulling arrived at the Cantonment I^eaven- 
worth on the route we saw several Indian canoes with Squaws 
children ect. I had no letters of introduction at the fort and 
therefore could not expect any great extension o( the laws of 
hospitality but was received with all the politeness that [could be] 
expected was offered all the stores vv-hich I might require by 
Leiut. Richardson the officer of tlie day. My boy Baptiste and 
the Indian wer[e] vacinated by Doct. Fellows. It was amusing 
to observe the actions of Baptiste and the Indian when I went 
from the boat towards the Barracks the Boy followed me until I 
was hailed by the sentry at view of one so strangely attired and 
with a knife on the end of his gun he broke like a quarter Nag[?] 



276] WYETH'S FIRST EXPEDITION. 219 

crying Pegoui and the Indian was onh' prevent.ed from taking- 
the run also by being assured that he would not be harmed. I 
took the two to Doct Fellows quarters to be vaccinated the Docts 
wife and another lady happened to be present they were really 
beautiful women but the eyes of the two were riveted on the 
White Squaws Baptiste who speaks a little English told the oth- 
er Boys when he returned to the boat that he had seen a white 
squaw white as snow and so pretty. 

28th. Made about 45 miles to lyibert}' where I found Mr. E. 
M. Samuel an old acquaintance who received me with all hospitali- 
t3^ supplyed me w[it]h money and all that I wanted. 

29th. Rained all day did not start 

30. Went to the landing after breakfast a boat arrived going 
to the Garrison and joined her as I shall arrive at St Louisas soon 
by this means as any other and more comfortabty 

Shall close memorandum here with Boat I after[ward] return- 
ed to Eeavenworth and was treated with great politeness by the 
officers of the garrison especially a Capt. Nichols who invited 
me to dinner. 



Memo of distances on. the Columbia according to the estimates of 

the English Traders. 

From Boat encampment to Colville 309 miles 

" Colville to Oakenagen 150 " 

" Oakenagen to Walla Walla 207 " 

' ' Walla Walla to Vancouver 203 " 

" Vancouver to Cape Disappointment 80 " 



949 [with 
pencil] 

From Ermatinger. 



211'! JOtlKNM,. [Willi iM-iK-il. 



()ii Ili<- sl-li '^1 ■'^^•ly liHving crosscfl the K;iii/.:is al llu- a^i^ency 
witliout accident and in one Half of a <lay and traded as many 
cuds and apisliemasi?] as I wanted and sonic deerskins for which I 
paid Bacon. We started with 3 less men 4 having-; deserted and 
one new one engiij^ed. Made this day alon^" tlie Kan/as ahoiit 16 
miles on a small stream having crossed one called the lyautrcUe 

6th. Moved along the Kanzas and ma.de a,l)out r2 miles to 
noon and took an observation Conn*! tin- I, alt to l)e 39" 3S' 
made this day al)ont rS miles 

ytli Made ahi)nt 1,5 mile-.; and canip'-d on I.ittlc V('rniillion 

Sth. In ihe morning Mr Sut)lette Jniding that liis leg would 
not h(-ar travelling turned hack made this d[a|y about 15 miles 
'iM)is fla>' lelt Kan/.as River 

9th. Made al)out 20 miles aufl camjx'd on a small river this 
<lay our hunter killed our first deer 

oth. Made 15 miles to liig Vermillion aii<l 1h<-ii 5 nnles more 
uud cami)ed in the jiraire with but little wood and a little stagnant 
water 

IT. Made 9 miles to a small run then lf)st the trailand crossed 
a sluggish nniddy stream numing NM?J aiKl recrossed the same it 
rounding and heading North and camped at noon this day I/itt. 
40" iH'. Sent a man to hunt tlie trail. 

r2th. vSjjent th<- morning mimding hobbles and en<iea.vored to 
get an observation lor Long, but it was too c;lou<ly in afternoon 
started and in about S mils found a camp of Sul:>lettc-s for nooning 
and marched until dark and cam]jed the horses having had noth- 
ing to cat all day did not tie them u]) at i. ock at night was 
awakened by a furiou« running ik snorting of the animals who all 
1)roke from their hobbles aud left camj) running in their ("ourst: 
over any thing opposed to them sjjcnt the- night in looking 
them up and found all but two about sun one Iioui high three 
Otoes came to us Vv-ho I su])pose occasioned tiie fright and got the 
two horses. 

f^. Started and ti'avelled 7 liours and ''anip'-d on a, fork of Ihc 
Blue and found the Long, to be 96'-' 7'. 

14th. Made W. S. W. 2f miles and struek the uiain lilue 



222 JOURNAL [279 

15th. Made about \V. 9 miles and found our Lat. to be 4c"' 
17' then made 12 mils W. by N. over a very level prairie and 
again struck the main Blue and camped 

i6th. Made 10 miles about W. by N. to Dinner Latt. 40*^ 
23' and 12 more to the Pawnee trail to the head of the Ar- 
kanzas and found that a verj' large party had passed it about 10 
days before and a smaller one this morning. 

17th. Made 3 miles up the stream crossing a very small run 

course W. by N. then struck out N. W. 3 miles and crossed a 
little run the same as passed in the morning then same course 6 
mils and took an observation for Latt and found it to be 40^' 22' 
then 5 mils more same course and got sight of the Platte then 
W. X. W. 5 mils to the river and camped 

i8th. Raining in morning caught some Cat fish found fresh 
track of Indians a small party 

19th. Rained hard all day moved camp 15 miles to a small 
grove of timber on the main land found our horses ver}^ skittish 
during the night. 

20th. In the morning had just raised camp when we discover- 
ed two Indians who were shy of coming to us but after a while 
suffered us to approach them they said they were Pawnieesbutas 
we did not not know the Pawnees this might be so or not per- 
haps Ricarees afterward saw several more on the blufs who did 
not come to us at noon found our I^at. 43° i' after traveling 13 
miles W. N. [?] in the afternoon traveled 13 miles W. and found 
our Long, to be 98'-^ 30' this night doubled guard. 

2ist. Moved camp from the pickett and 12 miles W. to break- 
fast fine clear weather old Buffaloe sign and antelope after 
dinner started and soon saw a band of elk one loose horse took 
fright at them and ran back on our trail there being no person 
mounted on a swift horse in camp I followed myself after going 
to a little creek where we nooned they struck out S. 15 miles to the 
heads of some little streams with timber probabh' the Blue 
where I overtook three of them my horse having failed I lost 2 
fine horses. After riding about 12 miles found the Platte at our 
nights camp and followed it to the camp making in all a ride of 
about 50 miles arrived about midtnght camp moved on 1 1 
miles. 

22nd. Moved about N. 10 miles Lat. 40'' 33' afternoon 10 
miles W. and camped after a little 3 Pawnee Scouts came to us 
and slept with us in the morning 12 more came and wished to 
persuade me to go to their camp i 14 daN-s travel X. over the riv- 
er which they forded here they stole some small things from us 

23rd. Moved from the pickett and 15 miles W. aljout to I^att. 

just before nooning passed a little creek then W'est ti 

miles and camped. 



2So] WYETH'S SECOND EXPEDITION. 223 

24th. 20 miles W- to the crossingof the South fork of the Platte 

about 8 miles above the forks found lyatt. to be 40 '' 41' 

25th. Crossed without difficult}' and made up the X. side of 
the South Fork about 4 miles W. then struck N. W. about i 
mile to the North fork which is here the largest then miade about 
W. b}^ N. about 15 miles and near to some cut blufs which come 
close to the river 

26th. W. by N.I 2 mils passing another place where the blufs 
cut the river and here fo-jad much cedar on them and camped on 
the river in a wide bottom found no Buffaloe today killed one ante- 
lope. Afternoon 10 miles W. N. W. at nighi found the variation of 
the compass i" 30' west at midnight our horses took fright but 
being strongly picketed and hobbled but few got out of camp. 

26th. I date this the 26th having over noted one dav hereto- 
fore in afternoon 12 miles W. N. W. passing some steep cut 
blufs which cut the river afternoon made 12 mils and camped 
still no buffaloe I^att. 40° 22' at night. 

27th. Made this da}' 20 mils during a severe gale from the N. 
N. W. the sand cut like a knife and it was altogether a most 
disagreeable day this day saw a little timber on some hills to the 
south of the river about 5 miles distant also 2 bands of wild 
horses killed one Bull so poor as to [be] uneatable. 

2Sth. Killed Buffaloe plenty today Came in sight of the 
chimne}' about noon made 22 mils wind still high N. N. W. 
One of our outriders saw six Indians mounted today. 

29th. No[o]ned at the Chimney Lat. 41'-' 51' After travel- 
ling this forenoon 11 miles afternoon 10 mils 

30th. Passed through between two high blufs through a pret- 
ty good pass and avoided going between one of them and the river 
where there are bad -ravines. Made this day 22 miles to Horse 
creek. 

31st Made after crossing Horse creek at starting about 20 
miles. 

June 1st. Made 15 miles to Laramies fork just before coming 
to which we made a cut off of about 3 miles over and about 5 
luiles by the river forded this fork with ease and niade S miles 
up the Platte in afternoon. At the crossing we found 13 of Sub- 
lettes men camped for the purpose of building a fort he having 
gone ahead with his best animals and the residue of his goods 
he left about 14 loads 

2nd. Made along the river 5 miles then struck out into the 
hills about W. N. W. and made 12 miles to a little creek in the 
afternoon made 13 miles to prett}^ large creek and camped tor 
the night the whole course this day about W. N. W. Left at 
Noon camp a bull and cow whose feet had worn out. 

3rd. Made 15 miles andnooned on the river this course N. 
\V. bv N. and cut ox^er the hills about ^ the wav the river tak- 



224 JOURNAL [281 

ing a bend quite to the X. and passing through bad rocks. After- 
noon made 6 miles cutting two very bad bhifs but still following 
the river and camped on it 

4th. P'orded the river and made W. X. W. 17 miles along 
the river and camped on it Sublette one day ahead. 

5th. Made along the river 24 miles along the River 

6th. Made along the river 24 miles W by X. 

7th. Made 12 miles along the river to the red Butes so called 
and is the place at which the river turns S. \V. and we leave to 
strike for Sweet Water Sublette 2 days ahead weather chilly 
and windy. Poor grass for several days. 

Sth. This morning I had intended to have turned out the 
horses at 2 ock. and guarded them but during the night the 
horses appeared uneasy and appeared to think there were Indians 
about which induced me to keep them up until sunrise when we 
started W. S. W. from the Red Butes and made iS miles to the 
high ridge of land and then one point more to the South and 12 
miles more to a small creek with poor grass Several of the horses 
nearh' done up for want of grass and from fatigue this day kill- 
ed two grisly bears and many Buffaloe a little shower toward 
night 

9th. Made S. \\\ 10 miles and made Rock Independence on 
which W. L. Sublette had noted that he had arrived on the 6th 
but I think he could not have done so before the 7th. I noted 
mv name then made S. W. along the creek 4 ^2 miles to a place 
where the creek puts through cut rocks each side perpendicular 
and about 60 feet high the trail goes through another place on 
a level and about 100 feet South of the river the rock interven- 
ing then made 6 miles W. S. W. between mountains but on a 
level and along the creek. 

loth. General courses W. vS. W. and along Sweet Water 
high granite hills on each side made 23 miles 

nth. W. 10 mils then X. W. 9 mils to camp on .Sweet 
Water 

12th. S. W. forenoon a cut off of 10 miles to Sweet Water 
afternoon vS. \\'. 9 miles along Sweet Water. Long, i to^' 30.'. 

13th 3 miles along Sweetwater S. W. then took up a ravine to 
the \V. X. W. about i mile then W. by S. 9 miles to a creek of 
Sweet Water run[n]ing into it abotit 8 mile=; off and S. E. then 
W. by S. 7 miles to another creek of Sweet Water running about 
vS. E. and emtying into it at abotit 10 miles vSweet Water appears 
to run in cut rocks 

15th. Made dtie West 5 mils and crossed a small creek of 
Sweet Water which comes from a point of granite rocks about 2 
miles from which we passed then W. 7 mils to a spring of good 
cold water and good gross. Wind river mountains now bear X. 



282] WYETH'S SECOND EXPEDITION. 225 

N. W. and aLre] covered with snow about 20 mils distant, Latt, 
42 '^ 44' Afternoon made W. 6 miles to Sweet Water creek 
main body going about S. E. and coming out of cut rocks then 
W. by S. 16 miles over broken ground to one fork of Sandy run- 
ning S. by E. here horses wer[e] tired Buffaloe plent^^ 

15th. W. N. W. 9 miles to Big Sandy where we found Buf- 
faloe plenty My hunters not yet come in been out 4 days fear- 
ful the}- have been scalped. 

1 6th. Made down the Sandy S. W. by W. 15 miles then 4 S. 
E. by E and camped on this stream so far the grass is miserable 
and the horses are starving and also at last nights camp they eat 
something that has made many of them sick, the same thing 
happened two year since on the next creek west. 

17th. S. S. W. 10 miles down Sandy which makes here a 
bend to the right afternoon S. 9 miles passing at three miles the 
mouth of little Sand}' and camped without an}' grass 

1 8th. 12 miles in the forenoon S. S. W. making small cut off 

afternoon W. S. W. 7 miles camped in good grass. 

19th. About S. b}' W. 8 miles and camped i mile above the 
mouth of Sandy on Green river or Seckkedee on the night of the 
17th I left camp to hunt Fitzpatric and slept on the prairie in 
morning struck Green river and went down to the forks and find- 
ing nothing went up again and found rendesvous about 12 miles 
up and much to my astonishment the goods which I had contract- 
ed to bring up to the Rocky Mountain fur Co. were refused by 
those honorable gentlemen. Latt. 41'^ 30'. 

20th. Made W. S. W. 8 miles then S. by E. 15 miles to Hams 
Fork running here S. E. and a small stream. 

2 1 . vSame camp. 

22d. Same camp 

27th. Moved up the river N. W. 10 miles grass here pretty 
good but little timber and none but willows for the last 6 miles. 

To 3rd. Jul}-. Same camp then up Hams Fork 10 miles N. W. 
moved up the fork about W. b}- S. 12 miles too many Indians 
with us lor comfort or safety they let their horses among ours so 
that it is impossible to guard an}' of them. 

4th. Moved up the creek about i mile then leaving it made 
\V. by N. over a divide and by a pass which occurs in the lowest 
part of a high range of hills 7 miles then W. 13 miles down a 
ravine which had a little water in it to its junction with another 
small run and the two are called Muddy here we celebrated the 
4th I gave the men too much alcohol for peace took a pretty 
hearty spree myself. At the camp we found Mr. Cerry and Mr. 
Walker who were returning to St. Louis with the furs collected 
by Mr. Bonnevilles company about 10 pack and mengoingdown 
to whom there is due io,ooo5{5 

5th. Made down Muddy 5 miles W. then N. W. cutting a 
divide into a small ravine which has a little water in it 8 miles 



226 JOURNAL [283 

then leaving the ravine cutting moderately high land to Bear riv- 
er 4 miles. Then down Bear river N. by W. 4 miles to camp 

6th. Made down the river N. N. W. 5 miles to Smiths Fork 
which is a short stream from the N. E. by N. and nearty as large 
as Bear river then same course 3 miles more then N. W. 5 
miles here comes in Kamas creek from the N. then W. X. W. 3 
and crossed Bear river three more and recrossed then cut over 
some high hills same course 8 miles more and struck the river 
again then down the river same cour.se i mile to camp nothing 
to eat due south of this camp about 5 miles is the little lake .so 
called which is about 20 miles long. 

7th. Made 3 miles N. N. W. and passed a little creek the 
same course 6 miles along the river, then 3 miles N. W. to camp 
all day fine grass. During this day a multitude of fine springs 
coming into the river, today killed one bull. 

8th. T^Iade N. W. 10 miles then 10 miles W. N. V\\toa place 
v;here there is soda spring or I may say 50 of them. These springs 
throw out lime which deposits and forms little hillocks ot a yel- 
lowish colored stone there is also here a warm spring wh.ich 
throws water with a jet which is like Bilge water in taste there 
is also here peet beds which sometimes take fire and leave behind 
a deep light ashes in which animals mire Killed one Bull today 
but so poor as to be hardly eatable having in the course of the 
day lost a horse will remain here to hunt him up 

9th. Same camp assended a mountain and from it could see 
that Bear river took a short turn round sheep rock about 2 miles 
below the spouting steam and goes south as far as I could see 
there are in this place many hundreds of mounds of yellowish 
stone with a crater on top formed by the deposits of the impreg- 
nated waters of this place. Killed one Buffaloe. 

loth. Moved X. by \V 3 mils cutting a range of hills then 
X. X. W. 17 miles to Biackfoot 0:1 which I found Bonrnjevill? 
again and plenty of Buffaloe and killed 3 Grisly Bears during 
the day passed many small funnel shaped holes in the lava hav- 
ing the appearance of small craters. 

nth. Made W. 6 miles cutting a range of hills then following 
in a valle}' form.ed b>' these hills and another range Made \\\ 
X. W. 10 miles to a little brook running X. b}' W. to camp Buf- 
faloe today saw one Biackfoot on foot in the hills who ran like a 
good fellow. 

1 2th. ]\Iade \V. 3 miles and came upon a small creek which 
was said to be Portneuf it may po.ssibly be the same water as 
that w-e camped on last night but running S. by E crossed this 
and a high range of hills and struck a stream v,-hich is said to be 
Ross creek this rtins about W. after g miles more camped saw 
but few B'.iffaloe today. 

13th. Xo Buffaloe savr elk on Snake River which we struck 



284] WYETHVS SECOND EXPEDITION. 227 

after 6 miles W. by N. in some small slew saw a great quanti- 
ty of fine trout about 2 lbs. weight 

14th. Went downi the river about 3 miles and found a location 
for a fort and succeeded and killed a Buffaloe near the spot 

15. Commenced building the fort and sent out 12 men to hunt 
to be gone 12 days and continued at w-ork on the fort a few days 
and fell short of provisions and was obliged to knock off in order 
to obtain food sent out some men tor Buffaloe the^^ returned 
in two days with plenty. The 12 returned the 28th da3^ at night. 
On the 26th a Frenchman named Kanseau was killed horse racing 
and the 27th was buried near the fort he belonged to Mr. Mc- 
Kays camp atid his comrades erected a decent tomb for him service 
for him was performed by the Canadians in the Catholic form by 
Mr. Lee in the Protestant form and by the Indians in their form 
as he had Indian family, he at least was Vv'ell buried. 

30 Mr. McKay left us and Mr Lee and Capt. Stewart with 
Inm 

6th. Having done as much as was requisite for safety to the 
Fort and drank a bale of liquor and named it Fort Hall in honor 
of the oldest partner of our coticern we left it and with it Mr. 
Evans in charge of 1 1 men and 14 horses and mules and three 
co\\s we went down the river S.\Y.4 miles and found a ford crossed 
and made N. W. 7 miles to the liead of a spring and camped in 
all 29 strong. Fort Hall is in Latt. 43'' 14' Long. 113'' 35' 

7th. Started at day light and traveled 10 hours as fast as pos- 
sible N. W. by W. 30 miles to the Bute, being the most south- 
wardly one and from it the other two Butes bear N. N. E. the 
farther about 20 miles off the other midway the Three Tetons 
about 100 miles off and bearing N. E. the day was hot and we 
suffered some for water and found but a small suppty on the N. 
side of the Bute a miserable chance for our horses and not a good 
one for ourselves 

8th. Started it sunrise and made IS. W. 10 miles to Godins 
river then crossed it and made in the same direction 12 up the riv- 
er and camped in fine grass where we struck the river there is 
no grass nor until w^e camped above lam told it is fine found 
no appearance of buffaloe 

9th. Made due W. 16 miles striking for the N. side of it a 
pretty high hill and struck up the mountains close on the N. side of it 
then wound into the mountains in a S. W. course finding water 
several times and cutting a divide struck a small thread of water 
at 5 mils this we followed 3 miles N. W. and struck a pretty 
large creek which we followed N. N. E. i mile and camped just 
at starting killed a Bull and separated from Abbot and a small 
part}' of trappers accompanied by Antoine Godin whom I sent 
out for Beaver. 

loth. Made 7 mils down the creek N. N. E. to Godins river 
the same we left day before yesterday then N. \V. 3 miles then 



238 JOURNAL [285 

West 14 miles today saw a large fire in the mountains on our 
left suppose them to be Diggers keeping for safety in the hills 

the Blackfeet trouble them even here saw one band of Buifoloe 
cows today killed one calf the party I parted from viz Antoine 
and Abbot are before us on this river. 

nth. Made W. 9 miles then 18 .S W the angle of the two 
courses occurs at what is called the vSpring prairie which is about 
10 miles over in the center of which there are three tolerable 
Butes these Butes when you approach from the East look like 
three but when from the West show but as two this day killed 
an old Bull very strong 

1 2th Moved 3 miles up the creek S. W. at which place the 
creek divide'^ into about equal parts the one going south I took 
by the advice of one who said he had passed before followed 
this up one mile and a branch going E. 3 farther another E. 
4 miles farther looked so bad camped took a horse to explore 
the route }2 mile above camp the stream branches the right at 
small distance heads in an amphitheater of inaccessible mountains 
followed the left 4 miles S. by E. and this also heads in an amphi- 
theater. We drove 2 Bulls before us which we killed they being 
unable to pass. I climbed up the clefts an[d] in passing over the 
snow had liked to have been killed in the following manner pas- 
sing over some snow and on which the water was running and be- 
ing afraid of caving in I missed my foothold in a slippery place 
and went gradually sliding down to a precipice but succeeded at 
last in averting mA' progress to destrtiction by catching the only 
stone which projected above the icy snow I however reached the 
summit and looked into another defile running E. like the one 
I came up. Got to the bottom again and found one of our two 
mules gone and being in want of meat packed the other with part 
of one of the Bulls and walked barefoot to camp during the night 
through an infernal rough rocky prickly Bruisy swampy 
woody hole. 

13th. Moved down creek back to the commencement of the 
South Fork then took the other about S. W. by W. at two miles 
up a creek from the N. forming about half of the stream then 
three miles farther where the rest divides into two parts very small 

passed the mountain in a south course between these last forks 
up a gentle fine trail and not more than i mile to the top then 
down b}' a very steep bad trail. South still along a branch of 
Malad 5 miles to tolerable grass and camped this last part of the 
route about the worst road that I ever passed. 

i4.th. After shoeing some horses that were lamed yesterday 
started and made 9 miles S. vS. W. at 2 of which got a small 
creek from the N. E. at the end of the 9 miles got a fork of 
about equal size to the one I came down from the S. W. then 
made S. E. by S. 10 miles and cam]:)ed got a creek from the N. 



286] WYETH'S SECOND EXPEDITION. 229 

E- at 2 miles of it and at 7 one from the S. W. Saw no game 
today the dusky grouse plenty for three days past Horses 
much knocked up with ^ore feet. 

15th. After crossing the stream passed up a ravine S. W. to 
its head then crossed some low grassy hills and at 12 miles cross- 
ed a small creek going S. E- this creek forks at this place then at 
two miles in all 14 miles S. W. crossed another which we follow- 
ed two miles S. S. E. then left it on our left and cut a prett}^ 
high hill 4 miles S. S. W. and came down to the plain of Snake 
River then 3 miles W. to a creek with a fine bottom but no water 
except what remains in little pools, but excellent grass here found 
two lodges of Snake Indians. 

1 6th. Made 28 miles W. following the main trail which is 
good perfectly level and distinct except in one place where it 
crosses several small branches which in the spring I presume are 
miry which occasions the traveller to go in no particular place 
during this days march I observed some low hills on the South 
side of us which gradually approach and at this camp are about 8 
miles distant between us and them a little riv^er appears to run to the 
W. which I am in hopes is Reeds other wnse called Big Woody. 
Todaj^ the travelling was fine and mau}^ little streams of water 
cross the trail at this camp which is on a very small thread there 
commence small irregularities just enough to note the place. 

17th. Made 20 miles due West over a country with easy Hills 

good and distinct trail and often water in very little streams. 
Country mostly burnt out b_v the Indians who have passed here 
lately going up to Buffaloe. Killed some dusky grouse and dug 
some kamas which assisted our living a little also found some 
choke cherries and saw one Indian at a distance on Horse back 
who fled. 

18th. Made over a hilly country 12 miles W. until we passed 
a high stony hill then bending N. W. made 10 miles more over 
a stony Hilly but distinct trail with not much water saw a track 
of a Bull made this morning altho there is verj'- little old signs in 
this section. Camp&cl on a uearh- dry creek running W. today 
lost 2 Horses. 

19th. Left the little run on which we camped last night going 
here N. N. W. on our right and put out as near as I could judge 
\V, 10 miles the first three over a dix'ide of high steep hills 
then taking a little ran followed it out of the worst hills along 
this run were many little Indian camps we then left it and went 
W. N, W. 15 miles and struck Woody River in cut rocks at about 
7 miles of this last course struck the run on which we camped 
last night at Woody we saw plent}'' of Salmon but had no means 
of catching any of them this day found a colt in the Rush 
probably left by the Indians on which I mean to Breakfast tomor- 
row morning being short of provant. 



230 JOURNAL [287 

20th. Followed the river down W. by N. 22 miles in the 
course of the day traded of some Inds. enough salmon for a Lunch 
and consumed the remaining provisions. 

2ist. No Breakfast. Feel very much purified [?] in the flesh. 
12 miles down the creek W. at noon found Indians of whom we 
traded enough Salmon with a dead one we picked up in the brook 
and a few birds for a dinner afterwards traded 2 Bal[e]s Salmon 
of the Inds. 

22nd. Made 5 miles W. then the trail cut a point of higher 
ground of about 2 miles and again struck the river and crossed it 

made on the other side 7 miles W. in all this day 15 miles \V. 

23rd. Made West 9 miles and found a small village of Snakes 
of whom we could only trade a very few salmon then 5 more 
in all 14 miles along the Big Wood W. and arrived at Snake Riv- 
er which we forded by wetting our packs a little here we found 
a few lodges of very impudent Pawnacks of whom we traded a 
half Bale of Salmon afterward 4 miles N. along the W. side of 
Snake River and camped near a few lodges of Inds. 

24th. 6 miles X. then made a cut off N. N. W. 4 miles to R. 
Malheur where we found but three or four Indians and consequ- 
ently got but little Salmon and consequently may starve a little 
between this and Walla Walla afternoon 7 miles N. passing not 
far from the River. I had forgot to nof- that on Big Wood Riv- 
er the Indians attempted to steal some of our horses but the horse 
guards discovered them and they failed. Scorpions arc here quite 
common two nights since I was just about laying down when on 
my Blkt I saw something move I folded it in the Blkt. and on 
carrying it to the fire found it to be a very good sized scorpion. 
This day at noon parted from Richardson and 8 men to go up 
Malheur and other creeks to trap there is something melancholy 
in carting with men with whom one has travelled so far in this 
uncertain country. Our party is now 17 boys Indians literati 
and all. 

25th. This days march was in many different courses but I 
average them at 23 miles N. W. and camped just before where 
the trail finally leaves the Snake river and at the same camp where 
I overtook two 3'ears since my men who without orders were leav- 
ing ihe country while I was up Malheur trapping. Traded this 
day about 70 salmon which makes a tolerable supply of provisions 
for the cut to Walla Walla. 

26th. Made about 20 miles in about a N. \\\ direction up 
Brule Last night lost two Horses which I think were stolen and 
today two more gave out. I now think of leaving two men be- 
hind to bring up some of the worst animals otherwise 1 fear I 
shall loose many of them. 

27th. After leaving Sunsbury and Briggs to bring up the worn 
out horses I left and making a cut off to the right going up a 
ravine across another and down a tliird came again tipon Brule, 



288] WYETH'S vSECOND EXPEDITION. 231 

at the open Prairie and camped for noon at the upper end of it on 
a little run and cashed 24 bars lead and 18 Traps general course 
N. W, 14 miles afternoon 9 miles N. W. W. following the little 
creek up and camped on a little prairie .near the headof itof about 
20 acres here there is two trails one N. W. the other N. 
the N. W. one I shall try. 

28th. Here taking the left hand trail we followed it 12 miles 
N. \V. when it disappeared I then took a N. course and at 
8 miles came on Powder River which we followed down about 5 
miles and camped this afternoon I shall go out to see where the 
trail crosses the river. This day killed an antelope and a Fawn 
and saw fresh Elk Track. 

29th. Turned up the creek again and after arriving at where 
we first struck the river made 6 miles W. by N. then into cut 
rocks then W. N. W. 4 miles more and Nooned on a little water 
in a ravine during the forenoon two men whom I had left behind 
with the poor animals brough[t] up all but two also during the 
forenoon tv^'O men got lost and our hunter got lost yesterday all 
missing tonight. Afternoon made 8 miles N. W. and camped in 
cut rocks on the main river at a place apparently not frequented 
either by Indians or whites but there are Salmon here but we 
have no means of catching any without waiting too long. I think 
by the looks there are Beaver here but will ascertain in the morn- 
ing in order that my trip here may not be entireh' lost. 

30th. Made 8 mile-^ up the creek through Cut Rocks during 
which time killed one Salmon and Two Otter so much provisions 
and Nooned on the Walla Walla trail West Fork the East being 
the one I descended on my first Tour afternoon made N. N. W. 
on the Trail. Here plain and good 15 miles at 5 of which 
crossed another Fork of Powder River but dry at 5 more a little 
water an.d at camp a little and but a little countr}^ rolling and 
soil good. At our camp two lodges of Kiuses 

31st. Made 15 miles N. N. W. good soil and not ver^- hilly 
and nooned at the Grand Ronde where I found some Kiuse Indi- 
ans, Capt Bonneville and two of Mckays men and learned that 
Capt. vStewart and Mr. Lee passed two days before. iVfternoon 
took the Walla Walla Trail N. N. W. 12 miles and camped at a 
very small Prairie with a little stream going N. W. Killed 5 Hens 
toda^'. On allovvance still. 

I Sept. After about 5 miles de[s]cended a very bad mountain 
and followed a dry creek then assended another bad mountain 
and nooned with out water at S miles of very bad going after- 
noon making along a ridge of mountain 16 miles arrived at the 
Ottilla[?] the trail plain the ground stony about N. W. course 
but indirect so far from the Three Butes every day has been 
thick smoke like fog enveloping the whole country last night 
we camped at 10 ock having found no water and the whole coun- 



232 JOl'RXAL [2cS9 

try burnt as black as my Hat aifording as poor a prospect for a 
poor sett of Horses as need be. 

2nd. Left camp behind and proceed across the Utalla River to 
the N. and up a mountain then took a slight ravine going N. W. 
and crossing several trails until the ravine leads to a dry willowed 
creek going N. E with a little water in puddles then N. W. up a 
ravine to the height of land which is a gentle slope then leaving 
the trail and going a few Hundred yards to the left followed a Dry 
ravine to the Walla Walla River 22 miles in all N. W. then 
dowui the Walla Walla W. by N. 10 miles to Fort Walla Walla 
where I found Mr. Pambrum who did the honors of the Fort in 
his usual handsome stile also found Caot. Stewart and Mess Lees 
who arrived two days sitice. Mr. Mckay for some reason remain- 
ed in the mountains. 

3rd. Remained at Walla Walla this da^' and made arrange- 
ments for going down at night Capt Thing and the residue of 
the party came up. 

4th. In morning left Walla Walla in a boat hired by Capt. 
Stewart after proceeding 4 miles obliged to come to land to tight- 
en the canoe. 

5 6 7th. Down the river and landed to Hire canoes at the 
Dalles for the party still behind. 

8th. Waiting at the Dalles for party. 

9th. Waiting at same place partv arrived at night with news 
that they drowned one Horse and the Jackass in crossing the 
River I valued him more than 10 horses as a breeder. 

loth At noon having with Difficulty hired three canoes start- 
ed down the river with three Indians on board. Wind high and 
soon increased to a gale swamped one of the canoes which fright- 
ed the Indians back. Obliged to lay bv with two of the canoes 
behind. 

nth. Walked back and brot up the two canoes. Gale still 
furious and finding that mj' people were not good boatsmen enough 
to follow me left the two boats in charge of Capt. Thing and at 
noon put ahead made about 10 miles and swamped the canoe. 

1 2th. Gale still violent and canoe so leaky as to require one 
man to Bail the whole time kept on until noon and camped un- 
til night when it calmed and we put ahead aud made to the Cas- 
cades the roar of v\-liich v\'arned me to camp. Here overtook 
Capt. Stewart. 

13th. Made our boat a little tighter with some pitch obtained 
of Capt. Stewart and made the portage of the Cascade carrying 
our things about i mile and letting our boat down with ropes 
rairiing hard made til 9 ock. at night when it rained so hard that 
that with the leakage we could keep the boat free of water no 
longer and put ashore. 

14th. At 2 ock in morning cleared up a little and we put on 
Init it kept drizzling at 9 ock. made the Saw mill above the Fort 



29o] WYETH'S SECOND EXPEDITION. 233 

and got some breakfast not having eaten since, noon the day be- 
fore at 12 ock arrived at Fort Vancouver where I found Doct. 
McLaughhn in charge who received us in his usual manner he 
be has here power and uses it as a man should to make those 
about him and those who come in contact with him comfortable 
and happy- 

15th. Early in the morning having hired another canoe put 
ahead and in a rainy cla^^ at about 12 ock. met the Bg May Dacre 
in full sail up the River boarded her and found all well she had 
put into Valparaiso having been struck by I^ightning and much 
damaged. Capt Lambert was well and brot me 20 Sandwich Is- 
landers and 2 Coopers 2 Smiths and a Clerk. 

1 6th. Kept on up the river in order to make Fort Vancouver 
and pay m3^ respects to Doct. McLaughlin but the wind failed and 
we could not. 

17th. Took the gig and went up to Tea Prairie to see about a 
location but found none. 

1 8th. Came on board and put down the river for Oak point 
Xvhere we mean to examine for a location. 

19th. Came too at Carneans[?] house and concluded to remain 
at least for the winter. 

20th. After setting the forges at work and commencing a coal 
kiln houses etc, started up the river Wallammut in a gig the gig 
followed the Wallammut i mile then took a creek to the right 
and after 5 miles came to the farm of Mr. Thomas Mcka}'. where 
I was treated v;ith great kindness b^^ LaBonte his foreman and of 
him procured horses and proce[e]ded b}^ land until near night over 
hilly wooded country near night came out into large plains of good 
lands surrounded with good timber some oak and overtook Mess. 
Lees who had started the day before me and camped with them 

they are in search of a location. 

2ist. Put out in the morning days travell through good lands 
rolling sufficient and assorted timber and water. At 3 ock. came 
to [and] crossed the Wallamut at Duportes''- House and from him got 
fresh Horses and proceed up on the E. side oi the river to Jervais 
10 miles. 

22nd. Not suiting myself as to a farm returried to Duportes 
and went to look at a prairie about 3 miles beloAV his place and 
concluded to occupy it it is about 15 miles long 7 wide surrounded 
with fine timber and a good mill stream on it. 2 2d Laid out a 
farm afternoon took a canoe and de[s]cended as far as falls. 

23rd. Made the portage of the falls and was taken violently 
sick of vomiting and purging probably caused by having eaten 
some Lamprey Eels recovered toward night and arrived at Fort 
Vancouver and finished an arrangemxCnt in regard to trade. 

24th. Went down the river to the vessel. 



"•'■ This name is given as "Dnpattj^s" on the map. 



234 JOURNAL [291 

25th. Making preparation for sending out parties 

26tli. Do & sent off Sunsbury to trade Horses 

at the Dalles. Sent Stout up the Wallammut with 2 men and im- 
plements to commence farm and started myself up to Vancouver 
on buisness. 

28th. Up the Wallamut with Mr. Nuttall and Towusend and 
Mr Stout. 

29th. Going up to the falls and went a small distance up the 
Clackamas River to look at a spot there found it would not do. 
Saw there a chalk formation 

30th. Returning down the rivers. 

31st. At night reached the vessell at Carneans from this time 
until the 13th Oct. making preparation for a campaign into the 
Snake country and arrived on the 13th at Vancouver and was re- 
ceived with great attention b}^ all there 

14th. Made up the river 12 miles 

15th. " " " River 11 miles 

1 6th. " " " River 13 miles to the Cascades. 

17, 1 8, 19 Delayed by strong winds and making portage on 
the last dav at night sent a division off under charge of Capt. 
Thing 

20, 21, 22nd. Same camp with nothing to eat but what we 
catch out of the river with our lines not liking to broach our stores 
for the voyage 

23rd. At sundown our boats arrived from above and I im- 
mediately started up the river we pulled all night except stop- 
])ing to cook at midnight 

24th. After taking breakfas-t and giving the Kar.ackas two 
hours sleep we put up the river with a head wind dav raw and 
chill 

25th. Arrived at noon at the Dalles and found all the people 
well and but one horse traded 

^-,26th. Started Capt. Thing with 12 Kanackas and 6 white? 
and all the best Hor.ses 

27th. Remained at same camp and traded 5 Horses at about 
$5.00 of goods each 

28th. vStarted the l:>oats back and Hubbard down l->y land with 
13 horses for the farm 

29th. & 30th. Same camp traded 4 Horses. 

31st. Started up the river Kanackas on foot for want of Horses 
and goods on miserably poor animals To the 7th Nov. moving 
slowly up the river during which time and before traded 18 Horses 
and 600 lbs dried Salmon which I have reserved for provisions af- 
ter we leave the river when I know we shall get none and hav- 
ing hired a canoe tor Walla Walla dispatched her with ihis salmon 

2 loads of traps one woman one Indian and two whites slie 
sank once but we recovered all and suffered one da3's delay only 
to drv the fish we have lived chiefiv on trash and dogs fearing 



292] WYETH'S SECOND EXPEDITION, 235 

to commence our stock of provisions expecting to get little or 
nothing all winter and I do not mean to starve except when I 
cant help it. 

8th. Traded one Horse a few drops rain today and for more 
than two thirds of the days since the ist of the month. Kept 
along the river traded 8 dogs today being a 2 days rations. 

9th. Moved along the River Traded i dog but no Horses. 

loth. L,eft camp and went into Walla Walla found Mr. Pam- 
brum well and good natured, and got the news that Capt. Things 
^•12 Kanac[k]as had deserted him and that he had gone in search of 
yO them on their trail. 

< "" nth. Went to Capt. Things camp and learned from Mr 
Baker that the Kanackas had taken about 2 bales of goods and 12 
horses Returned to Walla Walla on the way met the men who 
went with Capt. Thing they had not been successful! dispatched 
an interpreter Mr. Richardson and two other men down the River 
in a canoe to head the fellows. 

1 2th. Moved camp up the river a small piece for grass having 
crossed yesterday- no success in trading horses today the Indians ap- 
pear to think their fortunes are to be made by an opposition but 
they will find their mistake todsLj got Vv'ord that the Kanackas 
had not touched the Columbia nor passed the Utalla River and 
that Richardson had got a party of Indians to accompany him and 
horses and had taken up pursuit on land. 

13th. Richardson stil[l] out At night dispatched 4 men after 
two Kanackas that have been seen by the Indians about 15 miles 
below Walla W'alla on the main river. 

14th. Robinson and Richardsons party returned with no suc- 
cess Robinson had seen the track of shod Horses within 5 miles of 
Walla Walla 

15th. At 10 [o]ck this morning dispatched Richardson and Rob- 
itison with two men to trace out the track seen by Robinson. 

1 6th. An Indian brot in one shod Horse which had been taken 
By the Kanackas he found it at the Utalla River and brot word 
that there saw two of the scamps had bot a canoe and gone down 
leaving on [no?] horse except fat which they [the Indians?] took 
and one alive which he brot in 

17th. Robinson & Richardson Returned no news yet of the rest 

i8th. Finding there is no immediate hope of getting the Kan- 
ackas I today dispatched Capt Thing to Fort Hall having I9[?] 
men viz 4 Kanackas 10 white men and himself a fur[.'*] man and 
three Nez Perces 19 in all. This is a picked up lot and I have 
great fears they will commit Robber}^ and desertion to a greater 
extent than the Kanackas have done but I was obliged to trust to 
the chance it is late and the Blue Mounts, are now covered 
w^hite with snow aitho the grass is green here within 30 miles of 
them. 

19th. Went up the Walla Walla River about 7 milCeJs and 



236 JOURNAL [293 

raised a deposit of goods which I had made in the ground there 
fearing that some of Capt. Things men who knew where it was 
might desert and raise it and attempt to go to the Spanish Coun- 
try, I am now quite sick with a fever but must keep doing, 

20th. Spent the day arranging packs for a move Weather 
clear and cold with much hoar frost and mist. 

2 1 St. Deposited the spare goods on hand at Walla Walla fort 

22nd. Finished arranging for moving and [have] given up all 
the Horses still missing viz. 2. 

23rd. Moved down the Walla Walla River and camped on the 
Columbia about 6 miles below the Walla Walla taking leave on 
the way of Mr. Pambrun the gentleman in charge of the fort 
Still not well. 

24. Moved about 15 miles down the Columbia and camped 
without wood night quite cold near some bad rapids just above 
the mouth of the I'talla where I have a cash of traps which I in- 
tend to raise. 

25. Gloved about 15 rail[e]s down the river and camped I had 
forgot to mention that on the 23rd in the morning when I was 
about loading the horses I found that Ira Long a sick and as we 
have supposed craz}^ Kanacka was missing I then thought that he 
wou[l]d go at once to Walla Walla but do not hear of him yet I 
am at a stand to make up my mind w[h]ether he went out of camp 
and died suddenly or drowned in the river or ran off what he 
should run off for no one can conceive as no duty had been required 
of him and he had tea and other luxurys given him on acct. of sick- 
ness that no one else had it is a very strange affair to me. To- 
day I hear that one of the two Kanackas who went down the 
river in a canoe as per former report has been killed for killing 
liorses by the Indians other reports say a Kanacka has killed 
an Indian. I also hear that 6 of the runaways are on the heads 
of John Days River the whole of which storys I take to be lies 
invented to tell me in the hopes of a small present of tobacco. 
We live on dogs chiefly good luck traded 4 today. 

26th. Made about 12 mils down the river and during the day 
traded a voung fat dog. 27th. ?\Ioved about 14. mils down 

the river traded one poor little dog and 4 dried salmon. We hear 
such contardictory and impossible accounts from the Indians of 
the Kanackes that I do not know what to believe. 

2Sth. Moved down the River 15 miles traded nothing all 
dav providentially killed one goose which made supper and break- 
fast for 5 of us. Snowed a little this day and of course not much 
comfort for a little cold and wet spoils all the comfort of our camps. 

29th. 16 mils down the river killed nothing traded 2 dogs 
and some little deer meat dried. Snowed all tlie first part of the 
(lav and uncomfortably cold rains totught very nncomfortalile 
some of us have no coats[?] [tents?] men gruml)le. 



294] WYETH'S SECOND EXPEDITION. 237 

30th. The rain of last night changed to snow and this morn- 
ing the Earth is white and the weather cold made 12 miles and 
crossed John Days River then 3 more along the main River and 
camped with nothing but grass to cook our supper. 

31st. Made today 12 miles the last of yesterdays and some 
•of todays march pretty bad travelling for the horses owing to 
-cut rocks camped one mile up the river of falls called by the 
French "RevieudesShutes["]. I do not know if from the numerous 
rapids of this river or its proximity to the great falls of the Col- 
umbia which are about 3 miles below its mouth. There is here a 
a small villeage of Inds. from whom I understand by signs that 
the two Kanackes who de[s]cended the river stole horses here or 
killed Horses and in some wrangle with the chief concerning it 
one of the Kanackas shot him. I shall be sorr>' if this is true as 
in such case I shall be obliged to make a signal example of him 
both in order to quiet the Indians and prevent their rising upon 
the whites and as a terror to the other Kanackas. 

Dec. ist x\fter trading 4 dogs and a few salmon and roots and 
.•ascertained that there was no ford above or near us and that the 
Toad lay on the River we moved camp down to the mouth and 
and crossed at a rapid and tolerable deep ford then assended the 
hill by a ravine and descending again struck a good sized Beaver 
Creek at 6 miles due South while on the divide could see far 
ahead of a drear}' snowy exposed country without a stick of tim- 
der to relieve the eye except far in the distarce a black looking 
mass like a cloud of pine timber, 

2nd. Moved camp earl^^ and left the creek on which we camp- 
ed by a ravine to ihe right running S. S. W. followed it to the 
height of land then down a ravine to the creek on which we 
camped last night 6 miles foll[ow]ed this creek 3 miles S. S. W 
then S. S.E. to the left of the creek by a ravine 5 more and camped 
'We here find some little oak timber traded toda}^ about 30 lbs. 
dried deer meat. 

3rd. Mr^de t6 mils to the River des Shutes S. S. E. and 
camped near about 20 Eodges of Indians had to bu}' what little 
wood we used a thing I mortally detest last night about 12 sett 
in to snow before morning turned to rain which lasted all day 
the coldest I ever knew and blew a gale in our teeth this has 
been a miserable uncomfortable day the first part of it we assend- 
ed gradually until we reached a high ridge then de[s]cended 
suddenly to the river on the ridge considerable snow and the 
whole country covered with little round cones of earth denoting 
that the winds blow ox^er this divide continually and strong. 
Grass is far as I could see prett}^ good. 

4th. Moved camp S. S. W. 3 miles and camped on the fork 
of the River coming from timbered hills to the W. N. W. We 
hear that the two Kanackas have been followed by the Indians 
and killed in revenge for killing one of them and their Horses, 



238 JOURNAL [295 

5th. Same camp trying to trade horses get none 3'et. 

6th. Same camp 

7th. Same camp 

8th. Same camp 

9th. vSame camp During all this time traded but one Horse, 
but fared well enough for food as we obtained as man}' dogs as we 
could eat during the time Gully my Indian having lost his horse 
went out to hunt him and as I believe with a determination to quit 
me he found his horse and sent it to camp by an Indian with word to 
send his things with some trifling excuse but I kept the Horse and 
things the Indian vrhom he sent said he would go and take the Horse 
for which I gave him a flogging and he went off during this time 
we percussioned 3 Rifles our powder being so badly damaged 
as to render flint looks useless. In this vicinitA^ there are Elk and 
Deer as we trade their meat and skins of the Inds. in small quant- 
ities the grass here is good and here I cashed some goods our horses 
being to[o] poor to carry them on. 

loth Moved but without our guide whom I had engaged who 
was among the missing when we started and I. suppose engaged only 
to get something but without intending to start We took a S. S. 
W course and crossed the fork on which we had camped for some 
days past and after mounting the small mountains which range 
along this fork found an extensive plain beyond v^-hich white and 
hio-h rose a range of mountains disheartening to look at but 
ahead is the word and the spirit seenis to raise v\-!th the occasion 

this range runs E. & W. made this day 11 miles to the foot 
of the range along which is a small stream[?] here we cashed 
some provisions for cur return route and some loads of dry goods 
which our honses are too weak to carry. 

nth. S. S. W. and mounted the mountains which we found 
much less formidable than they appeared to he the earth and trees 
are covered with a heavy hoar frost which at a distance made 
them look as if covered deep with snow of which there was but 
little these mour. tains have scattering groups of pine timber and 
some oak and the little plains in them have brown[?] cedars sim- 
ilar to those of N. E. but still of a different sort but yet the rob- 
ins in considerable number feed on the berries which reminded me 
of old pleasures and home where I have often been out to shoot 
the.se birds irom the laving[?] but these are too painful lo be in- 
dulged and the present evil is enough without calling up old joys 
to enhance it made this day 15 miles and camped on snow water 
with good pine wood day cloudy wind N. E. and cold Saw 
the first elk arid deer sign for some tmie they say we cannot 
cross the divide to Clamat but I will go as far as T can. 

1 2th Engaged an Indian Guide last night but he too it seems 
has backed out as I cannot find him this morning Made one 
mile down the ravine in which we cam.ped and came to a small 
creek ruiniing about I{. tlien assended the hills and after 5 mils 



296] WYETH^S SECOND EXPEDITION, 239 

came to a larger creek then 3 miles more where the trail gave out then 
courses S. S. W. then struck S. b}^ E. 3 mils and crossed a small 
creek this and the last running E then 3 mils more and camped 
on a dry ravine all these last courses S. by E grass this far pretty 
good and country timbered and prettily levell today with small 
prairies. Saw much Elk and Deer signs but killed none. 

13th Made 5 miles S. by E. over level timbered with small 
openings country and came to a creek wdth ver}^ bad cut rock 
banks at least 400 feet high we had much difficult^^ in getting 
our horses down to the water and up the opposite bank but suc- 
ceeded after laming several of our horses this creek is rapid tol- 
erably large and runs N. E. we then made 3 miles S. by E- 
and camped the snow here covers the ground and the horses 
have to dig for their food. Saw today 12 deer and a great quan- 
tity of Elk and Deer sign and one bear track after camping 
Vi^ent out to hunt but could kill nothing toda^^ the first clear da^' 
for four days the fog lifted a little and enabled us to see a range 
of snowy mts on the west side of us and one very high bearing S. 
W. distant about 25 miles should we have any considerable fall 
of snow now we should loose all our horses they could not sub- 
sist with much more than there is now all the dog meat which 
we have brot vcith us from the last Inds. is done 
and we have novv' to look to our guns to supply us 
or eat our horses. We have about 4 bushells of rice 
and flour in camp for cases of extremit}^ and a little dog 
grease. Small game there is none we have but 10 lbs of 
powder along and that damaged Go ahead very cold for the 
4 last days. 

i4ih Made S. E. 4 miles to a ver^'^ small creek running in an 
immense chasm into which we got and camped the grass being 
good and oar horses having had nothing last night except what 
ihe^' dug up from beneath several inches of snow saw many deer 
today but killed none sent our hunters out after camping all 
but one returned empty and him I suppose has lost himself in the 
forests as I heard a gun late at night and returned several shots 
weather still quite foggy and very cold. 

15th S. E. hj E. 4 miles and down the ravine the snow grow- 
ing less and less visibly in this direction got out of the woods 
and saw the country bare of snow here found a lodge of Indians 
who have 32 Hors:-s traded one of them and have the promise of 
trading two more in the morning the man missing last nigh[t] 
came [in] thi[s] mng. 

i6th. Traded the two horses one of which cost 8 23/3 cents of 
beads first cost. Made E- down the ravine 2 mils then struck a 
•good trail crossing the ravine and going off S. S. W. which I fol- 
lowed over rocky high land 8 mils and came to a very large creek 

I shouia think it must be at least one-half of the River Des 
Shutes at least ruiniing in. an immense chasm into which we de- 



240 



JOURNAL [297 



[s]cended and camped in good grass and plenty of dry wood 
which makes us very comfortable for the night is very cold dur- 
ing the march over the high land saw a chain of mts on our left 
and the other side of the river white with snow and partly wooded. 

17th. Went up the creek \V. vS. W. 2 miles when it turned 
south and we forded it at a deep ford horses suffered much from 
the coldness of the water then wound S. E. up the opposite bank 
of the river very high and precipitous 2 miles more here saw 
man}^ deer killed none after attaining the heigh[t] made 8 miles 
S. S. W. through timber and snow then S. S. E. 4 miles also 
through timber saw several places where deer had been killed by 
the wolves which are here numerous and very large camped at 
a little grass the first seen today where the horses can dig up a 
little food. The country ahead appears more open we have now 
a little rice to eat and no meat begin to look at the horses still 
cold. 

1 8th. Made S. S. E. 12 miles to a small creek during this 
days march a snowy range of high mts. in points lay along our 
right and front stretching so that our course today just doubles 
their eastwardly termination at a place w^here probabl)^ a fork of 
the river Des Shutes passes this range runs N. E. & S. W. 
still farther on our left and apparently on the other side of the 
same river there is another range ru;;::i;ig X. by S. today saw a 
ver}'' great amt. of sign and deer and have concluded to stop and 
hunt tomorrow and rest the horses tonight a little snow squall. 

19th. Same camp Vv^ent out hunting killed 2 deer and several 
wolves this day came to us 5 Walla Walla Inds. who are out 
hunting they camp with us tonight they sav that the game 
comes down from the mts. in the winter on account of the snows 
which is the occasion of its being so plenty at this time one 
man otit of camp tonight probably lost sl;all wait tomorrow for 
him if he does not come in the meantime and take another hunt 
for meat which is riow quite a luxury. 

20th. Same camp killed one deer found the lost man 

2ist. Made ^>. vS. E. 15 miles toward the eastwardly termina- 
tion of the range of rats which lias for Sv):ne time been visible 
on our right at this point we can see no mts. but a little farther 
on the let't they commence again apparently the same range which 
we have seen for some time ranging on the K. side of the ri\'er. 
Killed no game today but saw plenty. 

22nd, S. E. by E. 10 miles and struck a small creek which 
though very rapid was so hard froz:'n over that we crossed it on 
the ice then N. E. i)^ mil[e]s and came to a very large creek 
which I take to be the main river it is about as large as the 
other fork which we crossed on the 17th inst. country a little 
more broken deer plenty btit killed none today a little warmer 
than usttal. 

23rd. Started up the river E. S. Iv. and gradually in 4 milLejs 



298] WYETH'S SECOND EXPEDITION 24^ 

travel rounded to a S. S. W. course and made 1 2 more the last 6 
of which the snow increased in such a manner that tonight we 
find no grass for our Horses and being afraid to advance with 
them another days march I have determined to send them back 
and with 3 men I propose to build canoes and assend as far as I 
can and ascertain if it is possible to get the horses through and 
if so to send back for them and if not to ascertain if there is beaver 
and if so trap it if not further advance [in] this quarter is useless. 
Tonight set in to snow hard but soon turned to rain. 

24th. Snowed and rained all last [night] and still snowing 
with a gale of wind from S. S. W. nearly all the horses gone 
astray about 12 having found all but one killed a poor Horse 
for food and sent the party all but three back to find grass for 
the horses cut down two large pines and commenced two canoes 
gale all day with occasional snow and rain. 

25th. Same camp gale S. S. \V. Snow and rain all da^^ a 
miserable Christmas worked what little we could on the canoes. 
26th. Day fair and calm warm go ahead making canoes 
27th. Da}' fair calm and warm still at the canoes 
28th. day fair calm and warm still at the canoes and eating 
horse meat 

29th. Fair weather and mild. 

30th. Fair weather and mild. Sick with indigestion 
31st. Fair weather and mild all so far South wind myself 
better and finished the canoes and horse meat at the same time 
viz; this evening at supper the men have called our two boats 
Black Snake & Triton. 

■"^•<-i835 Jany ist, Started in the morning in the canoes about 5 
miles by the river about 2 yi miles due south and came to a rapid 
in attempting to assend which got filled with water and afterward 
in towing with the line she broke loose and went down stream 
we recovered her after a long run and assended again to the rapid 
and it being near night camped killed today one fine fat goose 
warm south wind rain snow deeper as we proceed and is now about 
2 feet country rough and covered with pines set 4 traps for 
beaver today and am in hopes to have one for breakfast. 

2nd. Went to my traps found nothing then made snow 
shoes and set out with one man to explore the river took a due 
south course and in 3 or 4 miles came unexpectedly to the river 
there running smooth. I was happy to see it as I was entirely 
tired of this mode of travelling my shoes were too small and I 
frequently sunk into the snow and [it] bothered me much to get 
out again sometimes I would tread on my shoes and fall down 
and on the whole I thoughCt] I could get along better without 
them returned to camp killed three ducks for four of us small 
allowance with our men took our boat up to the rapids and 
spent the residue of the day in getting our canoe past the rapid 
most of the time up to my middle in this cold water had to make 



242 JOURNAL [299 

a portage at last of about ^-4 of a mile the river here makes a 
detour to the E. and around S to west to the place where we take 
our things across. 

3rd. Raised my traps and found one beaver caught the large- 
est I ever saw^ I think he weighed 65 lbs. and killed one duck a 
very seasonable supply of food the residue of the day finished 
making the portage and sett 8 traps the other Boat also got set- 
ting above Snow today and rained hard last night nearl}- all night. 
Wind Strong N. W. the first wind beside S. since 10 days. 

4th. Found but one beaver in our traps took a jaunt up the 
river at about 6 miles straight line S. the river forks into two 
apparently equal streams followed the left one about 2 milsS. by 
K. and returned to camp tired enough having found only sign 
enough in this distance to set 3 traps the river winds so that we 
have to paddle twice the real distance rained and snowed some 
during the day. Saw for the first time on this route swans the}' 
appear plenty here country still timbered but much more level. 

5th. Caught 3 Beaver rained and snowed hard all last night 
and part of today raised camp and camped about 2 miles below 
the forks mentioned yesterday one of the beaver caught today 
would weigh I should think 70 lbs. and our fries look finely with 
sundry roasting sticks around full of meat the beaver are fat and 
we live finely again. Wind strong and south. 

6th Rained all the forenoon and hail and snow all the after- 
noon caught no beaver saw very little sign heard a rapid or 
fall ahead killed 2 swans so fat that we could not eat all the 
grease a rare thing in this country to be troubled with fat Seems 
good to live well after poor horse meat and short supply Shall 
lay down the course tomorrow when I get it more accurately 

today being too thick to see and the river more winding than 
ever timber less plenty and very small and but little of the large 
kind of pine country as far as we can see very level with here 
and there a round conical mountain. 

7th Started up the river to sett traps found sign for but one 
and returned to camp at the same place as last night killed one 
swan which would weigh I should think 35 lbs. too fat to eat 

one we eat yesterday yielded nearh' 2 qts. of oil more than we 
could eat with it. These birds are delicious it is strange that 
one only does two of us two meals that is to say a day. They 
dont eat so in the states day pretty cold wind S. W. strong 

little snow today and some sun out the bed of the river is a 
soit white stone or hard clay the same as found on the Clacamas 

I think it is of the chalk formation. 

8th Remained all day at same camp on account of a severe 
snow storm it snowed all day and fell about one foot Blew strong 
from the vSouth which is almost constant wind here. 

9th went down the river and raised some traps we had set 
there and returned to same camp The river from the last place[toj 



30o] WYETH'S SECOND EXPEDITION. 243 

which I brought it runs S. E. i mile at which point a fork com- 
ing from the Eastward but it was frozen up so we could not as- 
send it then south 5 miles to this camp. 

loth Snowed and rained all last night hard and today so we 
are blessed with about 8 inches of slush makes every thing very 
uncomfortable did not move camp. 

nth. East night grew cold and set in for a hard snow storm 
with a gale of wind from the W. S. W. which continued without 
intermission until sunset today so we did not move camp the 
cracking of the falling trees and the howling of the blast was more 
grand than comfortable it makes two individuals feel their in- 
significance in the creation to be seated under a blankett with a 
fire in front and 3 Yz feet of snow about them and more coming 
and no telling when it will stop, tonight tis calm and nearly full 
moon it seems to shine with as much indiiference as the storms 
blow and wrhjether for weal or woe, we two poor wretches seem to 
be little considered in the matter. The thoughts that have run 
through my brain while I have been lying here in the snow would 
fill a tolume and of such matter as was never put into one, my in- 
fancy, my youth, and its friends and faults, my manhoods troubl- 
ed stream, its vagaries, its aloes mixed with the gall of bitterness 
and its results viz under a blankett hundreds perhaps thousands 
of miles from a friend, the Blast howling about, and smothered in 
snow, poor, in debt, doing nothing to get out of it, despised for 
a visionar}^ nearly naked, but there is one good thing plenty to 
eat health and heart. 

12th. Started up stream and made S. 6 miles at which point 
there is a considerable creek coming in from W. S. W. water as 
warm as the main river and not frozen up. Then 3 miles S. S. 
E. and camped. Saw but little beaver sign today river not very 
rapid but winding saw only two swans could not kill them 
caught one ^^earling beaver spit snow all day at night set in to 
snow hard moderately cold wind S. but moderate. 

13th 6 miles W. by N. creek very winding and more rapid 
than usual and camped just below a severe rapid fine sun in the 
forenoon but cloudy and snow spits in the afternoon and this 
evening. 

14th Snowed about 4 inches last night. Today pretty cold 
passed the rapid on the south side of the south channel there be- 
ing a small island at this place just above the island there is a 
raft of drift timber which extends across the whole river this we 
made a portage of for about 6 rods at the rapid I hauled the 
canoe wading in the water about waste deep and remaining in it 
about 3 hours and got quite numb but at last got through with it 

we then assended the river 3 miles more in good water but very 
winding S. W. to make which I think we paddled 8 miles to 
another rapid not severe finding that it would take some time 
and being obliged to return to camp soon concluded not to pass 



244 JOURNAL [301 

this rapid and returned to the first rapid and set 6 traps day 
windy from S. W. and some snow and sunshine. 

15th. Last night excessively cold the cracking of the trees 
kept me awake part of the night and night before 1 was kept up 
most of the night by a fever arising from indigestion today 
cold calm and clear as the sun got high it was extremely pleas- 
ant and this is the only day I have seen that would pass for a 
pleasant one in a good climate this winter went to the traps 
found nothing decended the rapid after another cold job in the 
water and returned to our camp of the 13th inst on the way 
down saw 5 swan the first since the 12th but killed nothing but 3 
ducks We are getting short of provisions again at evening very 
cold again. 

1 6th Started down the stream and made the portage of the 
falls about one hour after sunset last night the ther. must have 
been 10 below zero and the river scum over with drift ice which 
made vis make haste for if we should get frozen up here it would 
be hard times for food the water fowl and beaver would be done 
and other game there is absolutely none and to travel would be 
almost impossible there is four feet of snow however we could 
try snow shoes. Killed 4 ducks and one swan today the latter 
would weigh at least 45 lbs. a very seasonable supply as all our 
food gave out this morning. Day calm sunny not very cold 
tonight strong south wind and rain. 

17th Moved camp down stream about a mile and found our 
other boat with Mr. Richardson & Rob[in]son the latter during 
the severe cold had frozen his toes and fingers and the former was 
unwell with a numbness in his hips they reported to me that the 
beaver on this creek had made them sick probably this was what 
was the matter with me there is plenty of wild parsnip here 
they raised camp with us and we stopped the canoes where we 
built them and made a portage of )( of a mile this severe 
work in deep snow we then decended about 3 miles and came to 
rapids part of which we let our boats over by the line in about y2 
mile more came to worse rapids and made a portage of about 98 
mile then immediately let the boats down further rapids about 
100 rods to do which I had to remain in the water the whole 
time it was after dark when I got through the other boat got 
nearly through and gave it up and I suppose have camped with- 
out fire or food. The river falls at each of these carrying places 
at least 50 feet Rained most all day. 

1 8th. Went up above the last rapid to see the other boat 
found them comfortably camped they made a portage of their 
things and I attempted to run their boat empty just as I took 
the Shute the bow struck a rock I did not see she swung round 
filled at once and commenced whirling over like a top I hung to 
her and passed without further damage than mashing both of 
mv feet severely between tlie boat and a rock was in mucli pain 



302] WYETH'S SECOND EXPEUITIOX. 245 

all this day buL not very lame we run by the river about two 
miles and passed some bad rapids then made a portage of about a 
% mile into a slew of the river v^'hich we followed about V4 mile 
further then were forced to make a bad portage up a steep bank 
of lava about 100 feet this portage about J4 mile we then ran 
about two miles further and camped snow here not so deep as 
above and apparently diminishing fast men much tired and dis- 
couraged and wish to abandon the canoes which 1 do not mean 
to do until I am obliged to cashed at the first portage toda}' 22 
traps good weather today. 

19th. Started down stream and ran a continuous rapid for 
about 2 miles we let our boats down about }'l mile then crossed 
the river and let the boats down a few rods and finding the river 
was pretty much all rapids and falls concluded to abandon the 
boats cashed all but our blanket^ books araunition axe and ket- 
tles and took it on foot with about 60 lbs each on our backs and 
r foot of hard snow into which we sank sometimes and sometimes 
not it however diminished as we proceeded we made about 6 
miles and saw plent^^ of deer and camped killed one which was 
just in time as a little piece of swan was all the meat left in camp. 

1 am very tired [and J hungry but the deer will cure all this there is 
little snow at tliis place cur caraj I think can not be far off on 
the other side of the river I can see a grass}^ plain of about 30 
miles long and about 5 wide bare of snow snowed a little this 
morning day fine tonight freezing a little. 

20th Started late sore footed but with a full belly atid an ad- 
dition of a;:)0ut 20 lbs meat each we made about 6 miles and pass- 
ed our camp of the 22nd and 23r(l ult. about i mile further we 
crossed a small fork the one we before crossed on the ice then 
S. 2 miles and camped and tried hard for a deer btit could not get 
one altho we saw a great many da>' nne this evening cool 
grass not much covered with snow see no sign of camp ^^et. 

2 1 St. Made 2 miles N. to the river and camped took a turn 
down the river about 5 miles to look for some sign of our camp 

found a little Indiau sign of about the same age but nothing of 
our people. Afternoon went out to a high hill to the W. and 
made a large pile of brush and after dark set fire to it in order 
that if our people are rear that they may see it and come to us 

sent a man over the river to look but he could not cross but he 
saw one of their camps shall go tomorrow and ascertain it it so 
killed nothing today so we shall have no breakfast in the morning 

da^"- fine tolerable cool i inch of snow last night which went 
off today. 

22nd. Snowed part of last night and rained the residue and 
the iorenoon of today snow the rest and part of the night in 
morning our hunter went out and wounded a deer which the 
wolves ran down but before he could find him they had eaten up 
all but enough for 2 meals this morning breakfasted on two beav- 



246 JOURNAL L3"3 

er tails which I had laid by and forgotten so we have not yet on 
this trip lost a meal as yet myself in the morning made a raft 
and endeavored to cross the river but found 1 had selected a bad 
place and could not do it went above found a better place 
made another raft and succeeded found one of our camps so we 
now have someclevv^ to camp and shall push for it after getting a 
small supply of meat beforehand wind strong southwardly camp- 
ed this night in a cave of the rocks one mile S. of last nights 

camp. 

2-^rd Moved down to camp ot 22nd inst an.d went out to hunt 

killed nothing myself but Mr Richardson killed a fawn so we 
have 2 meals ahead besides two nights supper Mr R. is sick of a 
bad cold in his chest and some biles on his neck and cannot carry 
his pack Rained steady all day. 

24th Made 12 miles N. by W. and using what looked like a 
line ford I tried to wade the river but at first failed went a little 
lovi'er and succeeded and got back safe but benumbed with cold 
and after warming myself at a fire which the rest had built took 
mv things across and built a roaring fire to warm the others as 
they came over here found some beaver cuttings saw but little 
deer or sign today cold wind W. cloudy snow nearly gone. 

2Sth. Made 10 miles N. and seeing a little deer sign stopped 
and our hunter went out during the march we heard a gun on 
the west side of the river we fired guns and were answered 
toward night a little Snake Indian came to us and induced us to 
go to their camp which was among the cedars about 5 miles N. 
E. we found them without meat but we bought of them a lean 
dog of which we made supper and enough left for breakfast so tis 
rub and go. there were three lodges they had no guns but. had 
killed much deer as proved by the number of skins they had 
last night and this forenoon snowed about 5 inches today rained and 
melted most of it no water except snow and that dirty at this 

camp. 

26th lender the guidance of a Snake Indian we struck N. \V. 
to the river 7 miles and forded it at a rapid and waist deep ford 
then W. by N. 4 miles and came to S lodges of Snakes here our 
guide I suppose heard that our camp had moved and backed out 
of his job by running away we then struck N. \V. S miles and 
came to the' small river on which we [camped] the i8lh 19th and 
20th uko here we saw on,e Indian v/ho ran from us who appear- 
ed to be a Snake, while v/e were debating which course to pursue 
we espied 4 Indians on the opposite side of tlie creek the.se we 
spoke and they Informed us where our camp was and one of them 
took my pack to it they had killed several deer but we thought 
to get to camp and did not take any we made from the creek X. 
N. W. up a verv steep high h:ll 5 miles and coming ver}- dark we 
(tamped for the first time this trl]) without supper and me without 
blanketts and tired enough. 



304] WYETH\S SKCONTD EXPEDITION. 



247 



27th Got up and having; no breakfast to cook or eat started 
the earlier and moved N. N. W. 2 miles and the rest refused to go 
further preferring to wait until some chance Indian should come 
along hunting to take them the right way to camp I having no 
pack started in quest of it and passing the N. N. W. course in i 
V2 mile found it on a little thread of water running N. and deep 
snow during the time we had been gone they had killed 20 deer 
and had not starved the Walla Walla Indians are here hunting. 
They go out on their horses and run them and as the deer o-et 
tired the Inds. get good shots at them but the number wounded 
is much greater than that killed on these the wolves feast at 
night and keep up a continual howl after these last comes the 
ravens for their share I found missing from yesterday 6 horses 
among which was my two fine riding horses and three others 
which have been stolen by the Snakes who are up to this kind of 
dealing today sent men to look for the 6 and they brot but one 
day fine for an)^ country and warm tonight freezing cold. 
28th Sent out two men again for the 5 missing horses and aft- 
er finding the residue which not until noon started N. by W. and 
after 12 miles struck the old trail on which I came up about 6 
miles from our camp of 16 & 17 day very fine nothing to eat 
tonight but a little flour camped on a little stream made by the 
thawing of the snow. 

29rh Rose early and without any breakfast started down the 
valley on which we camped last night which joins a large fork of 
the Des Shutes in about 3 miles from this and leaving the old 
trail on which I came up to the left made N. N. E. 2 miles then 
leaving the valley to the left made i ^-2 miles N. K. then going 
down a very steep and high cui rock bank E. i mile crossed the 
large fork of the Des Shutes about 2 miles below ray camp of the 
1 6th and 17th ulto. this ford is deeper and more rapid than the 
one I made before possibly the stream is higher on account of 
the thawing of the snow We are camped with about 12 lodges 
of Walla Wallas they have at this moment a good supply of 
meat deer which they are drying I presume they have not often 
so much on hand as the>' seem to value it highly on my arrival 
I made the chief a good present to induce him to influence his 
people to trade but as ^-et have traded of root and meat but about 
3 days supply I intend waitiiig here three nights in order that 
they make another hunt and then perhaps I may get a sufficient 
supply to take me down. Tomorrow is Sunday and there will be 
neither traditig nor hunting in this camp this is my birthday but 
I have forgotten how old I am 

30th This unless my reconiiig is wrong is Sunday at day 
dawn the chief called the Inds. to prayers which consist of a 
short recitation followed by a tune in which all join without 
words after which a note in accord to wind off this is repeated 
several times on Sunday and is a dayly practice at da}dight to- 



24-8 JOURNAL [305 

day the two men sent for the horse^i came iii and broiig'ht 4 2 of 
which were m}^ riding horses this day warm as June in X. 
E. and no snow in this valley. 

31st The Inds. commence their meal with religious ceremonys 
and then come atid beg a smoke the day is also closed with 
religious ceremonies traded about 2 daj^s provisions of the Indians 

day fine as summer and the grass begins to start a little 

Feb. ist Started [from?] camp early and made 8 miles N. by E. 
over a trail which we followed the latter part of the 16 ulto. I then 
laid the course S. S. W. to make our camp of the 16 & 17 which 
was about i mile above our last nights camp traded today about 
2 days provisions looked at the rocks a little and as the country 
has been the same as far as I have been a description of the bluffs 
here will ansvv^er for the whole. There are some cut blufs of 
Basalt in its original position but they are chietl}- a very coarse 
sand stone of an ash color in layers some of which are finer and 
some coarser it is soft and is composed of rubble siione of lava 
and primitive rocks it sometimes contains organic remains bones 
I have taken out of it in a fo3[s]il state a small piece of y/hich I 
have preserved Today cloudy and on the liigh land over which 
we came today it was quite chilly but in the valley of the Small 
creek on which we are camped it is warm latter part of the dav 
sunny. 

2nd Moved camp X. by E. !^ miles over a ])laii; a-.id pretty 
good trail leaving entirely the route which I followed coming up 

the Indians killed some deer grass aopears better day cloudy 
or foggv until about noon when the sun came out like April in 
X. E. ' 

3rd This day the India:is concluded not to move camp I 
therefore requested the chief to call on his people to come atid 
trade meat they traded about 6 days provisions and I left them 
following the trail N. by E. S miles to a creek v,'nich we crossed 
in our march of the 12th u[l]to. the Banks of this creek is of 
fine deep red clay and at this camp there is a hot spring too hot 
to bear the hand in long and smoking like a coal pit it tastes of 
sulphur and iron and deposits a whitish substance on the pebbles 
as it dries awa3v' we hear for the first time this se-ason the croak- 
ing of the frogs trail good, grass good, day cloudy and chill. 
Ther in spring 191" 

4th. Early in mng. took my thermometer to ascertain t!ie 
heat of the spring found it to be 134'' and took a good bath by 
going a little distance down the stream to find a suitable tempera- 
ture and this first time for a long while feel myself pretty clean, 
rose camp and crossed the little stream on which we camped and 
leaving tlie Indian trail struck X. X. E. and in 6 miles came to 
the main river Des Shutes alor.g which we found a small trail 
we made 4 miles X. and camped during this distance the river 
could be run by a good boatman but it is almost a continued rapid 



3o6] WYETH'S SECOND EXPEDITION. ' 249 

the rocks of this march appear to be all shades between green 
and red similar to the earth it appears by being porous to be 
volcanic the first course of the march verj^ mir}^ the last firm 
and pretty good, grass improving, day cloudy in morning sunny 
this afternoon. Saw much Big Horn and deer sign by the way. 

5th Made along the river i mile N. then west 2 miles up a 
mountain then N. i mile and down a ravine then E. N. E. 
2 miles to the main river again and down a ravine then 7 miles 
N. by E. along the main river and camped trail plain all the 
way but very hilW and stony grass good, day at first cloudy and 
on the mountain much hoar frost in afternoon sunny the 
upper part of the mountain was of mica slate very much twist- 
ed this afternoon the rock was volcanic and in some places un- . 
derlaid with green claj^ Saw today small holders of a blackrock 
which from its fracture I took to be bituminous coal but its weight 
was about that of hornblende perhaps it might be Obsidian but 
I think was heavier than any I have ever seen river all this days 
march might be run if there is no bad place where I cut the 
mountain saw Big Horn trails but not the game. 

6th Made along the river 4 miles N. by W. during which 
space saw nothing that might not be passed by a good boatman 
then mounted the W. bank of the river and came to a large cedar 
plain 3 miles N. by W. then N. by E. over the plain 6 miles 
more to tinkers camp in crossing at this camp wet my cases with 
all my papers by a horse falling in the river while fording day 
cloudy with a little snow found this branch some higher than 
when I passed up here we found and raised a small cash which 
I made on my way up and during the march sent two men to 
raise another which I made at the next camp above from these 
Indians I hear that [of] my runaway Kanackas 10 took the trail 
over the Blue one was drowned in crossing some ford one 
froze in the upper country that the residue rafted the Snake riv- 
er one more died somehow about the falls that 7 are gone down 
to Vancouver tonight traded S dogs for their fat to kill the lice 
on my horses. 

7th Earh^ in the day the two men sent to raise the cash came 
•in with its contents undamaged exchanged at this camp a poor 
little, lame, mare for a tolerable horse in pretty good order trad- 
ed for a knife each 6 dogs today used the grease of these dogs 
to kill the lice on my horses that are nearly covered with them 
day cloudj^ but not cold in the valley Mount Hood bears ^2 point 
N. of N. W. sick myself of a bowell complaint cashed at this 
camp I ys bales corn and 7 setts shoes and nails. 

Sth N. N. W. 16 miles in the first place 2 miles to the top 
of an elevated range of woodless hills which skirt the west side 
of the creek on which we camped then down the slope of these 
hills 4 miles more during this space much snow then struck in- 
to a little creek which we followed 6 miles then up the left bank 



250 JOURNAL [307 

of this creek to another and larger fork of the same 4 miles and 
camped in good gra.ss This creek comes from the S. W. and is 
now as large as the small creek on which I camped the first night 
after leaving the mouth of the river Des Shutes on my way up 
there are several Indians vvith me w^ho say that once there was 
much beaver on this creek but that the British Cos have trapped 
it out day cloudy a tew drops of rain. 

9th Moved camp early on a plain and good trail N. N. W. 10 
miles to the Dalls after following on this trail 3 miles we came 
to a small creek coming from the W. S. W. and joining the one 
on which we camped last night and at 5 miles more another which 
either joirjs the same very near the Columbia or goes into the 
Columbia found Soaptilly[?] and a few more Chinooks at the 
river of whom I traded one horse and a canoe they report 7 
Canackas gone down and that one was drowned at the falls and 
one froze in the mountains leaving one unaccounted for rained a 
little today. 

loth Started early in a very leaky canoe which kept us bailing 
all the time and made 8 miles N. W. 5 W. and 3. S. \V. i west 
and on account of high wind camped about noon a little rain as 
usual. 

nth i\t about sunsett last night the wind lulled a little and 
we made a start but the wind continued high and about 2 ock we 
arrived at the Cascades a little above v>'hich we camped this 
morning went to the Cascades and there found Mr Erraatinger 
with a brigade of 3 boats taking up the outfits for the upper forts also 
Capt. Stewart Mr Ray and one more gentleman made the port- 
age and in 12 hours made the saw mill. 

12th In the morning made to Vancouver and found there a 
polite reception and to my great astonishment Mr Hall J. Kell[e]y 
he came in Co. with Mr Young from Monte El Rey and it is said 
stole between them a bunch of Horses Kell[e]y is not received at 
the Fort on this account as a gentleman a house is given hira 
and food sent him from the Gov. Table but he is not suffered to 
mess here I also found 7 of my runaway Kanackas they appear 
to be ver}^ sick of their joo' so I have concluded not to be severe 
wnth them I hear also that Fort Hall has traded 300 skins up to 
what time do not know or how true also that Tom Bule & 
Harry two more of the runaways are with some of McTr!n'''3~'men 
on-S-nake River they will probably fall in at Fort Hall 

13th Went down to the station at Carneaus[?] and found all 
well and doing pretty well. This is Sunday and I have lost 3 
days somewhere. During the residue of this month sent Mr 
Richardson to the Dalles with supplies for the party which I left 
above trapping he had tempestuous weather and was gone 13 
days myself took a trip up the Wallamut to look after the farm 
and mv tavlor who liad deserted me during the winter after 



3o8] WYETH'S SECOND EXPEDITION. 251 

Richardson had gone I took a small canoe and proceeded up the 
Columbia and in my progress got filled with the violence of the 
wind and quantity of rain I arrived at Vancouver in the morn- 
ing 23rd Feb. and met a reception such as one loves to find in 
such a country as this 

24th Started down the Columbia to the mouth of the Walla- 
mut up which about 4 miles to the head of Wappatoo Islands 
here finding the canoe to deep to proceed against the rapid cur- 
rent of this river novv^ very high we put down the west slew 
and crossed over the first bank of the river into the waters back 
and went to the Farm of Mr Thomas McKay and procured 
horses and went by land this took us all of the 25 & 26 both 
of which days it rained hard all the little streams made us swim 
our horses and some of the open prairies were sv\imraing and 
much of them wading at night of the 26th arrived at Sandy 
camp just above which I had begun a farm. 

27th Went to the farm and fotind the Taylor and Sloat the 
foreman gone down to see me they having heard of m^^ return 

during the day went up to Mr lyces place in order to get Bab- 
tiste to school with him in which I succeeded 

28th returned to Camp Sandy rain today 

29th Started for McKay Farm during a hard rain and snow 

30th Arrived at McKays farm 

31st Back to station at Carneaus [?] place and here found my 
runaway TaA'lor 

Match ist From this time until the 8th employed him in get 
ting out coopers stuff and timber for a house boat which I intend 
to build. 

Apl 13th Sunday I suppose emplo3''€d in getting out stuff 
for the house boat in cutting 8000 hoop poles and in building a 
canoe 60 feet long wide and deep enough to chamber barrells of 
which she will take 25 she is clean of knotts shakes and almost 
of sap and 27 feet cut off the same tree of the same kind of stuff 

the whole tree was 242 feet long and this by no means the 
largest tree on Wappatoo Island this is of the Spruce kind to- 
day I am on my way down to Fori William where the Brig lay to 
regulate matters there I have just parted from Mr McLaughlin Esq. 
on his way to view the Fallatten [Tualatin}plains I suppose with some 
idea of making liim a farm there some day I have now out of 21 
people 7 sick and little work can be done after deducting from 
the remaining 14 a provision boat to trade food and enough to 
take care of the sick up to the first of this month it rained con- 
tinually and about % of the time since I find the plows which I 
brought from the States of no use in the nevv^ lands here no news 
as vet from Bg. or Capt Thing So far with much exertion we 
provided ourselves with food but the whites in this country are 
exhausted of all kinds. 



COPY OF A LETTER AND A STATEMENT OF FACTS 

PERTAINING TO A CLAIM BASED UPON 

OPERATIONS INVOLVED IN THE 

TWO EXPEDITIONS. 



Camb. Dec 13th 1847 
Dear Sir, 

The papers herewith enclosed are in continuation of 
of the subject brought to 3'our notice in my letter of the 5th of 
April last which was accompanied b>- copy of statements relating 
to claims of John McLoughlin Esq., fonnerty chief Factor in charge 
of the H. B. Co's western district comprising all the territories oc- 
cupied by that Co west of the Rocky Mts. but who has since re- 
tired from their service, and resides at Oregon City. This state- 
ment or memorial was dated previous to the late treaty of bound- 
ary with Great Britian, and under the impression that his rights 
would be subjected to the capricious justice of the new settlers 
who had then formed a provisional government. I conceive that 
the said treaty fully secures his rights, or should they not be 
secured by the treaty, you will oblige me by securing them so far 
as in your power. I have placed the copy of his memorial as 
above stated in your hands for this purpose. At this time I shall 
confine myself to my own interests in Oregon. 

Having gone to Oregon in march 1S32 for purposes recognized 
by the convention then existing between the U. S. & G. B. 
having formed establishments there of the same character and for 
the same purposes, as those formed previously by the N. W. & 
Hudson's Bay Cos. having maintained one of the same through 
tenant to the present time, and having after two expeditions, ac- 
companied by much suffering and expenditure of five years time, 
and more than $20,000 in money, established the nucleus of the 
present American settlement in these regions, I ask the American 
government to place my interests in that country on as favorable 
a basis, as the treaty of boundary places those of British subjects 
whose pos[s]essions are of the same character. The recommendation 
of the President would benefit only actual settlers, and would en- 
tirely exclude me. It seems to me a law might be passed consist- 
ent with justice, granting a preemption to all Americans who have 
ever resided in Oregon, and who occupied land there, and con- 
tinued to hold the same either directly or bv agents or tenants, to 



.'54 LHTTF.R [vi 

the absolute extent of the property so occupied, as it ^vas at ihe 
period of the orgaijization of the provisior.al goverumeiit of Oregon. 
And to all Americans actual settlers, occupying lands after the or- 
ganization of said provisional government, and until the extens^on. 
of the lav/s of the U. S. over the territory, a preemption to all the 
lands so occupied not exceeding one square mile. 

I do not believe a law mainly such as proposed above vvould 
benefit a single American, except myself. I do not know one other 
who has occupied more than a mile square, while tliere are .sev- 
eral British subjects who have done so, and whose claims are ail 
secured bv the treaty whether large or small. And unless some 
such law is passed it appears to me that I am to be stripped of all 
mv rights, and that the great sacrifices 1 have made will inure to 
the the benefit of all concerned except myself. That you may bet- 
ter understated why I desire some protection irora the government 
I here with seiid a statement of facts No. i , and a petition to Congress 
No 2. I ren'.ain \'ery Respectfully 

Yr' obt Svt. 

Xathi J. Wyeth. 

To Hon. J. G. Palfrty, M. C. 



(Statement of facts Xo. i) 

On the loth day of March 1S32 I left Boston in a vessel v.-ith 20 
men for Baltimore where 1 was joined by four more, and on the 
27th left by Rail Road for Frederic Md from thence to Brownsville 
we marched on foot, and took pa.'^sage from that place to Liberty 
Mo. on various steamboats, which place we left for the prairies on 
the 12th of May with 21 men, three having d-^serted, and on the 
27th of May three more deserted. On the 8th of July we reached 
Pierre's Hole at the head of Levris River where was then a rendez- 
vous of Trappers and Indians. V\'e remained at this place until 
the 17th at which time my party had been reduced by desertion 
and dismis-sial to 11 men, and then started for the Columbia arriv- 
ing at Cape ]3isappointment 01 the Sth Nov. 1832, one mian 
having died on the route. There i learned that a vessel o i 
which I relied for supplies hati been wrecked at the Society Is- 
lands. This intelligence discouraged the party so much that all 
but two requested a discharge. Of the S who then left me 5 re- 
turned to the U. S. by sea, one died there in 1834 and two re- 
mained as settlers. In the Spring u[ 1833 I commenced my return 
to the states with the two remaining n\en. When I reached the 
mouth of the Yellowstone one left me to remain with some of the 
trappers until I should return. V\'ith the other I reached the 
States, and soon after fitted out a vessel for the Columbia, and on 
the yth Feb. 1834 left Boston for St. lyouis where I organised a 
party of 70 men for tlie overland trip arriving at the head waters 



3! 2] AND STATlvMKNT 255 

of the tnake or Lewis ri^-cr in Julv 1S3], and on ihe 15th of that 
month commenced to build Fort Hall, and after placin.^^ it in a 
defensive condition left it on the ytli Aug:iist followi;:;;' ibr the 
month of the Columbia. On the 15th of '^ept. I reached Oak 
Point 75 miles from its mouth where I met m^- vessel just arrived 
after a voyage of 8 vi montlis, l^nving bee'.i struck by lightening 
at sea and so injured as to be obH:2;ed to go iv.to Valparaiso to re- 
pair. This vessel was fitted for the salmon fishing of that season. 
Her late arrival caused me to detain her until the following year. 
During the wdnter of 1835 this vessel went to the Sandwich Islands 
with timber & card returned in the Spring wilh cat lie sheep goats & 
hogs which were placed on Wappatoo Island where in the mean 
time I had built an establishmentcalled Fort Wiliian on the south- 
wcs*.erly side of tlie island and about 8 miles from the H. B. Go's 
pest of Vancouver. At this posl we grazed all the animals ob- 
tained from the Islands California and from the Indians, planted 
wheat corn potatoes peas beans turnips, grafted & planted ap- 
ples and other fruits, "Duilt dwelling house and shops for v\^orking 
iron and wood, and in fact made a permanent location which has 
never been abandoned. I made this my personal resider.ce dur- 
ing the Winter and Summer of 1835. In the autumr; of that 
year I proceeded to Fort Hall with supplies, having sent some 
previous to that time. During the winter of 1836 I resided at 
my post of Fort Hail,' and in the Spring of that year returned to 
Fort William of Wappatoo Island whence I carried more sup- 
plies to Fort Hall arrivirig there the 18th June, and on the 25th 
left I'^r the U. S. by way of Taos and the Arkansas river and ar- 
rived home early in the Autumn of 1836. The comm.ercial dis- 
tress of that time precluded the further prosecution, of our er.ter- 
prise, that so far had yielded little but misfortunes. It remained 
only to close the active business which w^as done 03/ paying every 
debt, arid returning every man who desired, to the place w'hen.ce 
he was taken, an.d disposing of the property to the best advantage. 
All the property in the interior including Fort Hall was sold, it 
being necessary in order to retain that pust, to keep up a garrison 
for its defense against the Indians, and to forward annual supplies 
to it, an operation at that time bevoiid our means. Fort William 
at Wappatoo Island requiring nothing of that kind was retained, 
and the gentleman then in charge Mr C. M. W^alker was directed 
to lease it to some trusty person for 15 3^03 rs unless sooner reclaim- 
ed. Nothing having been heard from Mr V/alker for a long time 
'I sent a request to John McLaughlin Esq. for the same purpose 
atid also to have the island entered in my name at the land office 
established by the provisional government. That the original en- 
terprise contemplated a permanent occupation is clearly shown by 
the instructions to the master of the brig Capt Lambert When I 
arrived on the lower Columbia in the Autumn of 1832 as her[e]in 
before stated there were no Americans there nor any one having 



256 LETTER [313 

an American feeling. So far as I know there had not been since 
Mr. Astor retired from the coast. Of the 1 1 men which I had 
then with me three remained until I again arrived in the Autumn 
of 1834 and 19 of those who then accompanied me including the 
missionaries remained permanently in the countr3\ 

Nath 1 J. Wyeth 



INDEX. 



Abbot, Wiggin, letter to him as an em- 
ployee of the author, 70)93; placed 
in charge of animals purchased for 
second expedition, 98; letter to 
containing terms of contract with 
author, 99; 130, 131, 178, 183-4 

Allison and Anderson, lettei to giving 
directions for shipment of goods 
purchased at Louisville, 121 

American Fur Company (Dripps and 
Fontenelle) 69, 74, 158, 159, 204-5. 
210-8 

Ashley, William H., 38, account of his 
earlier operations as a fur-trader, 

73-4 
Attack, Indians, 158, 159-60 

B 

Bache, Theo., letter to, in which plan 
of first expedition is given in 
fullest detail 20-21; Leonard Wyeth 
instructed to write to him, 46; let- 
ter to containing instructions for 
joining the expedition, 46-7 

Baker, J. and Son, 38; arrangement to 
send goods home in their vessels, 
4S;their vessel, the Sultana, bound 
to the Columbia, 56; letter to des- 
cribing conditions of Salmon trade 
in the Columbia and giving list of 
British posts, 60-1; letter to with 
information about commercial op- 
perations b}^ the English on the 
North Pacific coast, 80; letter to 
containing statistics on the fur- 
trader at St. Louis, 84 

Ball, John, letter to giving information 
about joining the first expedition 
36-7; for meeting the expedition 
at Baltimore, 47; about trunks and 
letters forwarded from Boston to 
him at Vancouver, 68; letters bj' 
90; communication with, 115 

Baptiste, 59, 128, 136, 218-9 

Bell, letters of So-i; analysis of letters 



written to S. K. Livermore, 85-9 

Bernie, Jas., 177-8 

Blackfeet Indians, 190-202 

Black Hills, 156-7 

Boardman, William H., 38: letter to 
containing list of English posts 
and vessels, 61; letter to forward- 
ing letters from Capt. McNeil, 73; 
letter to containing report of the 
commerical operations of the Eng- 
lish on the north Pacific coast, 80 

Bonneville, letter to containing propo- 
sition for mutual hunt, 58-60; the 
proposed hunt, 65; his operations 
as a fur-trader, 69-70; his opera- 
tions, 73-4; letter to making ar- 
rangements to meet Indians in 
trade, 141-2, 202-5, 225-6, 231 

Bradenburgh[?], Jno., letter to about 
goods in transit at Baltimore, 116; 
letter to giving directions for for- 
warding letters, 120 

Bridger, 74 

Brown, James, proposed business rela- 
tions with, 47; letter to arranging 
for funds, 50; letter to with same 
purpose, 123; a letter of friendship 
mainly, 136; letter to giving sum- 
mary of state of affairs at its date, 
144; a letter of friendship, 150-1 

British Posts, (see English posts and 
vessels) 

Bugles, 25, 31 



Can, A. & G. W. and Co., (Ken) 120, 

124 
Cass, Lewis, 17; letter to asking what as- 
surance can be given to gentlemen 
and servants of Hudson's Bay Co. 
in making a settlement on the Wil- 
lamette River, 92-3 
Cerri (Cerry), 68, 73, 200 
"Chimney or Elk Brick," 155,223 
Clark's river (Flathead), 189-95 
Colonization Society, i, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 



25S 



INDEX 



[315 



II, 12, 17-18 
Columbia, 150, 173-6 
Colorado, 157-9 

Contract, failure to fulfil, 134-5 
Cripps, George, letter to in reply to 

proposal to join expedition, 27 

D 

Dana, Samuel L., letter of thanks to 
for review ofjno. Wyeth's book, 
104 

Davenport and Byron, letter to plac- 
ing order for traps, 39-40; letter to 
concerning financial transaction, 
41; letter to placing an order for 
goods for Indian trade, 42; letters 
relating to settlement of trans- 
actions, 45 

Desertions, 157 

Devan, David, used as a reference, 15 

Distances, table of, 219 

Douglas, David, 180-1 



Rnglish occupation of the Pacific- 
Northwest, 78 

Rnglish posts and vessels, 61, 80 

Ivrmatinger, (Hermatinger) Francis. 56 
letter to describing conditions at 
rendezvous on Green River in 
1833, 69, 79; letter of friendship 
to, 140-r, 180-1, 200 

Expeditions, First, statements regard- 
ing, 2; inquiries regarding, 3; inde- 
pendent expedition resolved upon 
and plan explained, 4; pla" ex- 
plained to Charles Wyeth, 6-8; ex- 
plained to Leonard Wyeth, 9-10 

Everett, Hon. Edward, letter to offer- 
ing services in obtaining informa- 
tion for government— proposed ex- 
pedition also explained, 12-13; let- 
ter to having reference to matter 
broached in former letter, con- 
taining inquiry about license 
needed for the' expedition, also 
some comment on the accompany- 
ing petition from the colonization 
society, 17-18 



Farm, 144, H5 

Fenno, James \V., letter to reporting 
conditions confronting the author 
in the Rocky mountains, second 
expedition, 133-4; letter to giving 
some details in progress of expedi- 
tion and referring to matters of 
umtual interest, 143-4 



Fitzpatric, Thomas (Fitzpatric, Sublet- 
te and Bridger) (Fitzpatric and 
Co.), 74; letter to announcing ap- 
proach to rendezvous with goods 
according to contract and submit- 
ting proposition for additional 
transactions, 132-3; transactions 
arising out of previous contract, 
138-9, 140 (See also Rocky Moun- 
tain Fur Co.) 

Finlayson (Finlinson), Duncan, 79,180 

Flathead Indians, 191-4 

Fort, 134, 135, 137, 142, 144, 145, 146, 

147 
Fort Hall, 227, See Fort 

Fort of Vancouver, 176-7 
Frapp, See Rocky Mountain Fur 

Company 
Fur, collections made by different 

companies, 69-70 

Q 

Gant and Blackwell, 156 

Gardner, Robt. H., letter to contain- 
ing inquiries for information need- 
ed in carrying on the salmon in- 
dustry, 29; letter to returning 
thanks for information received 
and containing further inquiries, 
34 

Grant & Stone, 114, 121, 123-4, notice 
of draft on, 129, 130 

Great Salt Lake, 8, 144, 162 

H 

Hall, Henrv (See Tucker & Williams 
& Half). 

Hallet, letter to pertaining to authen- 
ticity of statements in communica- 
tion to Hallet's paper, 104-5 

Hamilton, Samuel S., letter to con- 
taining inquiries concerning laws 
regulating Indian trade, 6 

Harrison, Gen'l., letter to enclosing 
note which a son of Gen'l H. had 
entrusted to Wyeth, 72 

Harrison, Doct., 106, 130 

Hermatinger, F., (See Ermatinger) 

Heron, James, (Herron) (Horon) 56, 
79 

Hughs, I. P., letter to outlining plan 
of expedition, emphasizing wri- 
ter's personal interests at stake, 26- 

7 
Hudson's Bay Company, 53, 56, 55,63; 
negotiations with them through 
Leonard Jarvis, 67; proposed con- 
tract with, 72, 77-8, 92-3, 125, 163, 
176-7 



3i6] 



INDEX 



259 



I 



Ice business, 10, 34, 83, 108, iii, 118, 

133. 143- 150 
Independence Rock, 157, 224 
Indian boys, 59, 105 (See Baptiste) 

J 

Jackson, 38, 74 

Jarvis, Leonard, assistance offered by 
him to Wyeth, 7, 8, 10; letter to 
containing request for assistance 
and giving considerations affect- 
ing the advisability of the enter- 
prise undertaken by the author, 
31-3; fragment of letter to express- 
ing thanks for favors, 52; frag- 
ment of letter to outlining plans 
for returning, 55; letter to stating 
conditions of carr3-ing on fur trade 
and requesting that Jarvis conduct 
negotiations with the H. B. Co., 
66-7; letter to asking for advice in 
the treatment of certain calumnies, 
81-2; letter to in which author 
vindicates himself against asper- 
sions in Bell's letters and John 
Wyeth's book, 85-9; letter to re- 
porting adverse conditions in his 
affairs, 135; letter to in which the 
author reviews his situation, 151-2 

Jervais, 74 

Journal, proposed disposition of 48, 
97 

K 

"Kanackas" (Hawaiians), 234, 240, 
250 

Kansas river, 22 

Kelley, Hall J., addressed as general 
agent for the Oregon Colonization 
Society, i; petition to congress, 
17-8; his means for moving and 
likelhood of his going, 30; proba- 
bility of his party starting, 36; let- 
ter to in which Wyeth gives reas- 
ons for not going with him, 39; 
letter to in which Wyeth declares 
his resolution to proceed without 
delaying for Kelley's colony, 43; 
letter to expressing willingness to 
take charge of some emigrants, 50; 
letter to indicating disposition 
towards colonizing the Columbia 
region, 51; 90, 250 

Ken (See Can) 



Laidlow, 79 



Lambert, Capt., 61, 150, 151, 233 

Lansing, E. E., letter to implying that 
he contemplates joining the first 
expedition, 45; Leonard Wyeth 
instructed to write to him, 46 

Laramie fork, 156, 223 

Latitude and longitude, process of cal- 
culating, 101-2 

Lawrence, Josiah & Co., agent for 
Wyeth at Cincinnati, 112, 116, 121 

Lee, Jason, letter to giving date of 
leaving for St. Louis, iii, 128,227, 
231 

Livermore, Solmon K., letter to per- 
taining to his son's wish to join 
the first expedition, 16, 17; letter 
to in which the matter of his son's 
joining the expedition is discuss- 
ed, 25-6; letter to on the right to 
trade with Indians in the Oregon 
country, 30-1; letter to relative to 
history and prospects of tiade in 
the Oregon country, 38-9, 80, 81, 
S5-9, 90 

Livermore, Thomas, (See in nboveref 
erences) 

M 

McFarlan, Leonard Wyeth instructed 
to write to him, 46 

McGill, (See Von Phull & McGill) 

McKay, 180, 227, 231, 251 

McKenzie, 79 

McLoughlin, Dr.John, his hospitality 
53;letter to expressing obligations 
to Ermatinger and offering serv- 
ices,68,79, 140, 176-7, 181,233,251, 
253 

McNeil, Capt., 61 

March, E. E., letter to received from 
Leonard Wyeth, 46; to be entrust- 
ed with papers, 67 

Marshall, Josiah, 38 

Men for expedition, 94-5, 103 

Men of the first expedition, 178 

Metcalf, E. W., letter to, 115, 137 

Missionaries, (See Jason Lee) 

N 

Neil, Col. J. W., letter to containing 
inquiries regarding the contem- 
plated expedition of the Oregon 
Colonization Society, 3 

News, given to Ermatinger. 69 

Noah, Cousin, letter to pertaining to 
communication with Ball, 105 

Note, protested, 70, 71 

Norris &Co., letter to containing in- 
quiries for traps, 33 



26o 



INDEX 



[3r 



Vudd, 7q 

Nuttall, Thomas, letter to announcing 
that a package of plants has been 
sent him, 67; letter to apprising 
him of Wyeth's movements to St. 
Louis 103; letter to concerning 
outfit, 106-7, 114. 126, 137, 

o 

Oregon Colonization Society, (See 

Colonization Society] 
Outfits, 13, 17. 21, 27-8, 2,3, 42, 59. 89. 

94, 95 



Pambrun, 79, 173. 184-5. 232 

Parents, letters to giving resumes of 
experiences, 53, 135, 145, letter to 
announcing date ot return, 103 4 

Payette, 141, 200 

Perkins, 38, 

Perry, Rev. Clark, letter to discussing 
religious convictions and freedom 
of opinion, 43-4; letters to pertain- 
ing to calumnies, 80-1, 89-90; bid- 
ding goodbye, 104 

Petition ,to congress by Mr. Kelleyand 
those who proposed to go in the 
first expedition, 17-8 

Pickering, Jno., letter to referring to 
a point about the language of 
Indians, 108 

Pilcher, 38" 

Platte river, 153-4, 222-3 

Proposition to Geo. Sim[p]son, Gov- 
ernor of Hudson's Bay Company, 
York Factory, 5^ 



Ray, 25 

Rendezvous, 159 

Richardson, note placed for him at the 
mouth of a fork of the river Des- 
chutes, 147-8, 235, 241, 246, 250 

Rockhill, Thomas C, letter to, 93 

Rocky Mountain Fur Company (Sub- 
lette & Fitzpatric), 72, 74, 77, 156- 
7, 159, 171, 204-5, 225 

Routes, inquiries about, from Balti- 
more to St. Louis via Pittsburg, 4; 
from New York to Pittsburg via 
BuflFaloe and Lrie, 5; determina- 
tion to go by packet to Baltimore, 
10; route contemplated from vSt. 
Louis across the continent, 8; 20 



Salmon fisheries, 60-r, 144, 145, 168 



Samuel, E. M. letters to instructing 
him about outfits for second ex- 
pedition, 70, 83, 90-1 94-5, 98-9, 
100, 102-3, 108, 123, 124, 127, 129, 
1 30- 1 

Samuel & More (See E. M. Samuel) 

Seaton, Alfred, letter to stating terms 
at which furs would be transport- 
ed from Green River via Columbia 
river to Boston, 100, 124 

Serrey, (See Cerri) 

Simpson, (Simson) Geo., letter to 
containing proposal to supply 
goods, 56-8, proposal to deliver furs 
to, 72; notice to that negotiations 
are at an end, 84 

Sinclair, John, letter to containing in- 
structions for joining the expedi- 
tion at Baltimore, 47 

Smith, IraG., 119-20; letters of intro- 
duction, 122 

Smith, Jedediah, 38, 74, iSr 

Spokan river, 186-7 

Stewart. Capt. William, copies of let- 
ters introducing him with letter 
enclosing them, 142, 147, 205, 227, 
231, 232, 250 
Stevens, Capt., 206 

Story telling, 170 

Sublette, M. G., letter to referring to 
a contract, 71-2, 83; letter to per- 
taining to meeting in New York, 
95; letter to about selection of 
goods, 96; letter to giving basis of 
proposed business relations, 97-8; 
109, 132; letter to complaining of 
breach of contract, 140 (See also 
Rocky Mountain Fur Co.) 

Sublette, William L., 69, 70, 71,74,83; 
letters to announcing movements, 
105-6, 109, no, 115, 116, 213 
Sultana, Bg., 56 



Thing, Captain Joseph, 106; letter to 
containing instructions regarding 
business left in his charge, 107; 
letter to containing directions 
about shipment of rifles and knives 
1 13; letters to concerning goods to 
be brought on, 113, 114, 115, 116, 
117, 121, 122, 232, 235, 251 

Tobacco culture, inquiries relating to, 
3-4; man desired competent for 
conducting, 6; seed ordered put up 
for the expedition, and man again 
requested, 24 

Touro, Judah, letter to requesting that 
he get a note discounted, 33-4; 



3i8] 



inde;x 



261 



note not forwarded, 49 
Townsend, 128, 137 
Trumbull, 79 

Tucker & Williams (Henry Hall & 
Tucker & Williams) (Tucker & 
Williams & Henry Hall), exami- 
nation of accounts with, 47-8; let- 
ter to reporting business aspects 
of trip out, 54; letter to giving 
business outlook, 63; letter to ap- 
prising them of author's arrival, 
71; letter to setting forth in detail 
history and conditions of fur and 
salmon trade, upon which propos- 
ed plan of operations is based, 73- 
8; letter to containing proposed 
form of contract, 82; letter to con- 
cerning items of outfit, 94, 95; let- 
ter to regarding acceptance of 
traps, 107-8; letter to on matters of 
traps and accounts, 108-9; letter 
giving notice of draft drawn on 
them, 109; letter to enclosing one 
from Samuel & More giving view 
of state of affairs with them, no; 
letter to bearing upon financial 
aspects of business,iio-ii;letter to 
containing statement of transac- 
tions, 1 1 1-2; letter to detailing 
financial arrangements for expens- 
es of expedition, 114; letter to con- 
taining statement of transactions, 
1 16-7; letter to about Santa Fe 
trade, 119-20; letter to on matter 
of finances, 121; letter to detailing 
transactions since the last, 124-5; 
letters to giving statements of 
transactions and of newly develop- 
ed conditions, 129-32; letter to de- 
tailing condition of business af- 
fairs up to its date, 138-9 
Tudor, Frederic, assistance from, 32; 
shipping of ice, 34; his agieement 
towards securing cargo and vessel 
for Wyeth, 49; present made by to 
Wyeth, 49; letter descriptive of 
Oregon country probably to Tu- 
dor, 53; used as a reference, 61; 
letter to giving plans after return 
from the Oregon country to the 
Rock}' Mountain region with some 
expression of personal feelings, 62- 
3;letter to apprising him of Wj'eth's 
arrival in Missouri, 71, 82, 83, 97 
108, 1 1 1 ;letter to reviewing outlook, 
1 18-9; letter to reporting adverse 
conditions, 134; letter to giving 
report of affairs of business up to 
date, 142-3; letter to reporting 
prospective failure, 149-50 



Vessel, 143, 144, 145 

Von Phul(l) & McGill (Von Pool)(Mc- 
Gil), 67, draft sent to upon Mr. 
Cerri, 68; letter to enclosing an- 
nouncement to M. G. Sublette, 83. 
90; letter to of the nature of an or- 
der, 91; statement to 103; no; an- 
nounced as Wyeth's headquarters 
at St. Louis, III, 122, 123; letter 
to making remittances 138; letter 
to enclosing remittance, 140 

w 

W^alla Walla, 171-3, 184-5 

Waterhouse, Benjamin, author of Jno. 
Wyeth's book, 104 

W^eld, letter to containing review of 
experiences, 148-9 

Whiting, Seymour, letter to in reply 
to inquiries made with a view of 
joining the expedition, details of 
plan of expedition given, 29-30; 
letter to in which proposition for 
joining is declined for want of 
means, 42-3 

W^ife, letters to, 117-8, 128, 135, 144; 
letter to announcing disasters and 
date of return, 154 

Wild (Wildes), Captain Dixie, letter 
to submitting terras for having a 
vessel dispatched to Oregon, 14-5; 
letter to discussing items of pro- 
position for furnishing vessel for 
the expedition, 20-24, 38 

Willamette river and valley, 178-9 

Woodman, 17S, 183, 191 

Worthington, Jas., letter to making 
an offer to furnish goods for fur 
trade, 91 

Wyeth, Charles, letter to containing 
statement of original plan, i; let- 
ter to requesting information 
about tobacco culture and giving 
statement of revised plans, 3-4; 
letter to giving first details con- 
cerning proposed independent ex- 
pedition, 6-8; letter to referring to 
details of financial relations be- 
tween him and writer and to pro- 
gress of negotiations for vessel, 15- 
6; letter to relating to plans for 
fitting out at St. Louis, 24; letter 
to requesting aid in making new 
arrangements for a vessel, 28-9;let- 
ter to relating to assistance need- 
ed to secure an arrangement for a 
vessel and cargo, 34-6; note not 
forwarded, 49; letter to advising 



262 



INDEX 



[319 



of proposed draft, 50; letter con- 
cerning a letter of credit, 51; let- 
ter to descriptive of writer's con- 
dition at Vancouver, 55; letter to 
referring to personal situation and 
matters of business, 65-6; letter to 
announcing completion of ar- 
rangements for second expedition, 
85; letter to giving stage of pre- 
paration for second expedition, 91- 
2; letter to concerning finances of 
second expedition, 96; letter to 
concerning instructions to Abbot, 
100; letter to designating Captain 
Thing as second in command of 
expedition, 107; letter to announc- 
ing his coming, 109; letter to de- 
tailing proposed movements, 137; 
letter to giving summary of ex- 
periences up to date, 146; letter to 
announcing failure of salmon fish- 
ing, sickness and plans for return, 

152-3 , . , 

Wyeth, Jacob, his brother .- athaniel, 
applies for a position for him in 
the proposed expedition by the 
Oregon Colonization Society, i; 
advised regarding the proposed 
expedition, 2; plan of independ- 
ent expedition submitted to him, 
5; letter co umenting upon chang- 
es in plans of Colonization Society 
and explaining arrangements of 
the joint stock concern, 11-2; let- 
ter to giving summary of previous 
letter, i3-4;letter to touching up- 
on points of finance, 21; letter to 
apprising him of date of forming 
camp and sailing for Baltimore, 42; 
reference to his turning back, 53; 
letter to referring to accounts with 
writer, 79; letter to announcing 
date of expected arrival at St. 
Louis, in; letter to, 125-6, 145; 
See also Parents, 145 
Wyeth, Jonas, 123 
Wyeth, John, 80-1; his book examined, 

S5-9 . . 

Wyeth, Leonard, letter to containing 
inquiries concerning route from 
New York to Pittsburg via Buffalo 
and Erie, 5;letter to giving chang- 
es in plans of Colonization Society 
that are unsatisfactory to writer 
and statement of his revised plans, 
9-10; letter to requesting names 
and addresses of persons living in 
St. Louis, also referring to situa- 
tion £is to funds and vessels need- 
ed, iS; letter to referring to same 



matters and aid proffered by oth- 
ers, 19; letter to referring traps 
and guns desired, and goods need- 
ed for Indian trade, also to new 
conditions for securing vessel, 27- 
8; letter to regarding pledge to se- 
cure vessel and cargo to meet first 
expedition, 37-8; letter to relating 
to agreement with Plall, Williams 
& Tucker, 41; financial matters, 
45; letter to enclosing copy of 
agreement with Tucker, Williams 
& Hall and requesting that it be 
endorsed with guarantee and for- 
warded to Charles Wyeth, 46; let- 
ter to referring to men for the ex- 
pedition that were being engaged 
i)v Leonard Wyeth, 46; letter to 
arranging for funds, 51; letter to 
recounting experiences on | trip 
out and giving plans for return, 
54; letter to giving plans, also le- 
ferences to characteristics of west- 
ern associates, 64-5; letters to, 72- 
3» 78, 83; letter to pertaining to 
transactions of Abbot, 93-4; letter 
to pertaining to IM. C>. Sublette's 
business at New York, 96; letter 
to pertaining to relations with 
Sublettes, 103; letter to introduc- 
ing E. M.Samuel, 113; letter to 
introducing Col. Geo. W. Jones, 
127; letter to det-iillng pioposed 
movements, 137-8; letter to giving 
summary of exper'ences up to its 
date, 145-6; letter to announcing 
failure of salmon fishing, and re- 
porting sickness and plans for re- 
turn, 153 
Wyeth, Nathaniel, his estimate of the 
nature of his undertaking, 49;per- 
sonal feelings expressed to Fred- 
eric Tudor, 62-3; physical and 
mental condition, 64. 65, 91-2,128, 
136, 243; claim, 253-4; his state- 
ment of facts, 254-6 



Young, 250 



wM 




I 



3i^^0 



LBJa'07 




SOURCES OF THE HISTORY 
OF OREGON 

Vohime I Parts 3 to 6 inclusive 



THE CORRESPONDENCE AND JOURNALS OF CAPTAIN 

NATHANIEL J. WYETH 

1831-6 



A Record of Two Expeditions for the Occupation of the Oregon 
Country, with Haps, introduction and index 



CONTINUATION OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OP THE DEPARTMENT 

OF ECONOMICS AND HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY 

OF OREGON BY THE OREGON 

HISTORICAI, SOCIETY 

Edited by F. G. Young, 
Secretary Oregon Historical Society 

PRICE ONE DOLLAR 



University Press 

Eugene, Ore. 

1899 



SOURCES OF THE HISTORY 
OF OREGON 



VOLUME I 

No. I JOURNAI, OF MKDOREM CrAWFORD 

An account of his trip across the plains in 1842 with 
the first considerable band of Oregon Pioneers. 

Prick 25 Cknts 

No. 2 The Indian Council at Walla Walla, May 
AND June, 1855 

By Col. Lawrence Kip, U. S. A. A Journal. 

Price 25 Cents 

Nos. 3 to 6 inclusive 

The Correspondence and Journals of Captain 

Nathaniel J. Wyeth, 183 1-6 

A Record of two Expeditions for the Occupation of 
the Oregon Country. With Maps, Introduction 
and Index. 

Price One Dollar 

In Preparation 

SEMI-CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON 



Address orders for publications to 

GEORGE H. HIMES, 

Assistant Secretary of the Oregon Historical Society , 

City Hall, Portland, Oregon 



The Oregon Historical Society 

Through the wise and beneficent action of the twentieth 
I^egislative Assembly of Oregon in providing financial support for 
the newly organized Oregon Historical Society the work of col- 
lecting and preserving the sources of the history of Oregon and of 
cultivating the historical spirit among its people was placed in 
position to be vigorously prosecuted. The appropriation made by 
the legislature is being supplemented by the membership fees from 
representative citizens of the state. 

The collections of manuscripts and all other sources of histori- 
cal evidence that are being secured from day to day are deposited 
in some rooms of the City Hall of Portland. This dispositorj' was 
courteously placed at the disposal of the society by the officials 
of that city. 

The society is the direct outcome of work begun in a tenta- 
tive and humblest way by the department of economics and his- 
torj' of the State University. It has not yet become possible to 
broaden the scope of the Society's efforts so as to include all the 
lines essential to the normal functions of a state historical society. 
The Society, however, is grovdng rapidly. With the measure of 
support from its natural patrons that confidence in it should elicit it 
will become equal to the opportunities lying within its magnificent 
field — the lives and achievements of the makers of Oregon. 



OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 



H. W. Scott, President, 

C. B. BkIvLINGER, Vice-President, 

L. B. Cox, Treasurer y 

F. G, Young, Secretary, 

Gko. H. Himes, Assistant-Secretary, 



Portland 
Portland 
Portland 
Eugene 
Portland 






